BARLEY AND SQUIRRELTAIL GRASSES 287 



innumerable needlelike awns of these grasses, the animal walks 

 about stiffly, with an unnatural gait, and seeks but little food. 



Fig. 109. — SQUIRRELTAIL BARLEY (Hordeum jubatum). 



A very common example of a grass whose awned spikelets are very injurious to foraging animals, 



especially sheep. 



Eventually the skin loses its pHability, and the wool feels harsh 

 and Hfeless. Naturally such wool commands a low price 

 on the market. Finally the animal refuses to eat and 



