PLANTS FOR EXPERIMENT 189 



ORNAMENTAL AND USEFUL GRASSES 



At various times I have taken great interest in 

 the ornamental grass commonly known as pam- 

 pas grass, the plumes of which were at one time 

 in great demand. 



The form of pampas grass that is most grown 

 in California is that known technically as Corta- 

 deria argentea. The plumelike panicles of this 

 grass are familiar ornaments everywhere, and 

 were, in the time of their greatest popularity, 

 articles of some commercial importance. 



The plumes to be preserved in the best way 

 should not be allowed to come out of the sheath 

 before drying. The long stems, with several 

 leaves attached, are cut just as the tip of the 

 plume begins to show. The leaves are stripped 

 off, and the stalk is placed in the bright sunshine, 

 preferably standing, but more commonly spread 

 on boards or on the ground. Prepared in this 

 way, the panicles do not shake to pieces. They 

 assume the aspect of silky plumes, which are 

 given a peculiar fluffiness and brought to perfec- 

 tion by being placed in a hot oven for a few 

 moments. 



I have raised perhaps a hundred thousand 

 seedlings of various pampas grasses, and have 

 crossed them extensively. 



