Lake Maxinkuckee, Physical and Biological Survey 235 



Today there are few forms of vegetation so easily peopled by 

 creatures of the imagination as the thicket of reeds with their tall 

 erect stems densely grown, and broad waving blades. Here is a 

 picture* of our own times, describing vividly the reeds : 



"All the while the river never stopped running or took breath, 

 and the reeds along the whole valley stood shivering from top to 

 toe. 



"There should be some myth (but if there is I know it not), 

 founded on the shivering of the reeds. There are not many things 

 in nature more striking to man's eye. It is such an eloquent panto- 

 mime of terror, and to see such a number of terrified creatures tak- 

 ing sanctuary in every nook along the shore is enough to infect a 

 silly human with alarm. Perhaps they are only a-cold, and no 

 wonder, standing waist deep in the stream. Or perhaps they have 

 never got used to the speed and fury of the river's flux, or the 

 miracle of its continuous body. Pan once played upon their fore- 

 fathers, and so by the hands of his river, he still plays upon these 

 later generations down all the valley of the Oise; and plays the 

 same air, both sweet and shrill, to tell us of the beauty and the 

 terror of the world." 



The passing of the reed marks, too, the passing of a simpler age 

 of vast regions of primitive nature, of tinkling cowbells and graz- 

 ing herds over unbroken prairies. 



96. SMALL TUFTED LOVE-GRASS; TUFTED ERAGROSTIS 



ERAGROSTIS PILOSA (L.) Beauv. 



This does not appear to be common. There is one plant in our 

 collection and its identification is not certain. 



97. PURSH'S LOVE-GRASS 



ERAGROSTIS PURSHII Schrad. 



Rather common in various places along the beach in sand. 

 Usually found in dry sandy soils forming diffuse spreading clumps. 



98. STRONG-SCENTED LOVE-GRASS 



ERAGROSTIS MAJOR Host 



A common grass throughout the state, frequently coming up in 

 cultivated grounds in autumn after cultivation has ceased. Its 

 purplish-silvery flattened spikes, which are borne in abundance, 

 make it a handsome grass. Recognizable by its sharp penetrating 

 odor. In August, 1906, Hawk's field was almost entirely covered 



* Robert Louis Stevenson, "Inland Voyage." 



