P. SPICATUM. PEARL MILLET. 187 



ing. Leaves flat. Spikelet.s crowded in a, spike-like panicle, or 

 on spike-like branches. 



Species abont 40, mostly African, a few in tropical Asia and 

 America: 



P. spiral ii m . Pearl, Indian, African, Cat-tails, or Horse 

 Millet. This grass has been spoken of very highly as a meadow 

 grass for the South, where it has been grown for many years. It 

 needs an abundance of heat, rich soil, and makes a rank, rapid 

 growth six or eight feet high, each culm teminating in a stiff 

 spike an inch in diameter and six to twelve inches in length. 

 Branches come out in abundance near the ground, hence there 

 will be all states of advancement in the spikes of flowers. As 

 said of Panicum Texanum (Texas Millett) and Sorghum liala- 

 pense (Johnson grass), it may be cut two or three times a year, 

 and yield an abundant crop of rather coarse hay. It cures slowly. 

 In central Michigan, where it has been tried, the summers are 

 too cool for perfecting seed, and the crop does not become large 

 till "late in the season. Indian corn is certainly preferable for 

 the North, and perhaps as suitable for the South. 



PANICUM, L. 



Spikelets born on a jointed pedicel, spikelets racemed or pan- 

 icled, with one perfect terminal flower, and usually a second 

 which is male or neutral. Glumes usually 4, the lowest small or 

 minute, the second and third usually sub-equal, membranous, 

 awnless or rarely awned, empty or the third including the rudi- 

 ment of a palea or a male flower ; the terminal including a per- 

 fect flower, shorter and more obtuse' than the others, carioceous, 

 as is also the included palea. Lodicules, 2, fleshy. Stamens, 3. 

 Styles distinct or united at the base for a short distance, stigmas 

 feathery. Caryopsis included in the firm floral glume and palea, 

 free. Annuals or perennials of various habits. 



FIG. 83. Pennixetum xpicatum (Pearl millet); a, top of a plant with a spike reduced 

 one-half; />, a pair of spikelets on the short hairy pedicel, with bristly incolucre ; c, 

 view of one spikelet ; d, another view. (Scribner). 



