HOW TO STUDY THE GRASSES. 75 



trolled. Long lists have been given, but there is much risk in 

 prescribing for such a great country as the United States. 



5. The Agrarian Grasses are'more properly those which occur 

 in land under tillage. They are weeds such as Bromus secalinus, 

 L. (Chess), Agropyrum repens, L. (Quack or Couch Grass), Setaria 

 viridis, Beauv. S. glauca, Beauv. (Fox tails), Panicum sanguinale, 

 L. (Finger Grass). 



The various Uses of Grasses. These are, 

 1. For the grain as food, cereals, or drink as whisky, etc. 

 2. For pasture. 

 3. For hay. 



4. For manufactures, paper, substitute for lumber, sugar, 

 mats, hats, etc. ; bamboos for many things. 



5. For fuel ; the tops in close ovens, Indian corn in stoves. 

 5. For preventing the washing of banks and drifting of sands. 

 How to begin the Study. We will suppose the learner has 

 but a very limited knowledge of botany and is possessed of some 

 enthusiasm, a good stock of patience and perseverance. The 

 latter quality is of the greatest importance, and without it, suc- 

 cess cannot be attained. A diligent pursuit of the subject is 

 sure to crown the student with success, and this, for several 

 good reasons, is worth all it costs. 



This book contains many good illustrations, but a study of 

 pictures alone, with a few superficial glances at plants, will never 

 make a botanist. There may be a hundred names, rather uncom- 

 mon and technical, to become familiar with, but this should dis- 

 courage no person of good ability. All of these words are defined 

 in the glossary at the end of the volume. 



To have the use of a good, simple miscroscope magnifying ten 

 to twenty diameters is absolutely essential. This should be 

 mounted on a stage or block on which the flowers or other small 

 parts may be laid, while both hands are free for dissecting with 



