THE FLORA 187 



Sugar (Siucar) is obtained from the sweet sap of various 

 species. The Sugar Cane for its sugar, rum, molasses is 

 an important crop of hot climates. Other products of the 

 order are aromatic oils, ornamental seeds (Job's Tears), straw 

 for plaiting and thatching. Macaroni and vermicelli are pre- 

 pared in Italy and Sicily from fine wheat-flour ; " corn-flour " 

 is obtained from Indian Corn. Bamboos are put to an 

 endless variety of uses ; a hardy kind (Metake) thrives, 

 locally. The Pampas Grass and Provence Reed make hand- 

 some specimens for lawns, and many smaller kinds Feather 

 Grass, Quaking Grass, Agrostis are used for decorative 

 purposes. 



Phalaris, L. 



A small genus, including the Canary Grass, from which the 

 canary seed is obtained, now appearing in the country as a 

 Aveed of cultivation. 



P. arundinacea, L. Reed Canary Grass. Not uncommon 

 at sides of ditches. Per., July. The Gardeners' Garters or 

 Ribbon Grass often seen in gardens is a variegated form. 



Anthoxanthum, L. 



A. odoratum, L. Sweet Vernal Grass. (Mislean.) Abund- 

 ant in well-drained situations. Per., May. It imparts the 

 characteristic sweet scent to new-mown hay, and is a valuable 

 ingredient in pastures on account of its early growth and 

 for continuing to send up leaves until late in the autumn. 

 With the exception, perhaps, of sheep, domestic animals 

 show no great partiality for it, but where it is abundant it is 

 said to improve the quality of mutton. 



Alopecurus, L. 



A. geniculatus, L. Marsh Foxtail. Fldeag Cham, C. 

 Not uncommon in marshy meadows. Per., July. 



A. pratensis, L. Meadow Foxtail. (Fideag.) Kiloran 



