120 FIELD AND GARDEN PRODUCTS 



dense tufts. It is readily propagated by cuttings of the creeping root- 

 stocks. It has been introduced into some of the Gulf States, particu- 

 larly Florida, where it is highly valued. Broom-corn Millet (Pani- 

 cum miliaceum). A rather coarse annual, attaining a height of 2 

 to 4 feet, with large, drooping, loosely flowered panicles. (See 

 millets.) Para-grass (Panicum molle). A rather coarse, reed-like 

 perennial, 4 to 6 feet high. It is cultivated in South America, and in 

 the West Indies and Mexico, and has been introduced into some of 

 the Gulf States. It is grown with success on the high pine ridges of 

 Florida, and wherever cultivated it is most highly esteemed and re- 

 garded as a very fattening pasture grass. Crab-grass (Panicum 

 sanguinale). A well-known annual, common in nearly all parts 

 of the United States, growing in cultivated fields and about dwellings. 

 It is a weed in gardens and among hoed crops. In grain fields after 

 harvest it frequently springs up in such quantity, particularly in the 

 Southern States, as to yield one or even two good cuttings of hay. 

 The stems are much branched, and in good soil attain a length of 3 

 to 4 feet. This grass contains little fiber, and dries quickly when 

 cut, but if after cutting it is wet by rains or heavy dews its value for 

 hay is almost wholly destroyed. Texas Millet (Panicum Texanum). 

 This grass is a native of Texas. It is frequently called Colorado 

 grass, from its abundance along the Colorado River in that State. 

 In some localities it is known as river grass ; in others a^ goose grass, 

 from its being supposed to have been introduced by wild geese. In 

 southern Texas it is sometimes called buffalo grass. Pearl Millet 

 (Pennisetum spicatum). This is supposed to be a native of Africa, 

 but has been known from time immemorial in cultivation in India, 

 Arabia, and Egypt. (See millets.) Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris 

 arundinacea) . A perennial grass, with strong, creeping rhizomes, 

 growing from 2 to 5 feet high, usually in low or wet ground. It 

 ranges from New England and New York westward to Oregon, and 

 northward to Canada, also in the mountainous parts of Pennsylvania 

 and Virginia. It is common also in the north of Europe. Timothy 

 (Phleum pratense). This is one of the commonest and best-known 

 grasses. For a hay crop it is extensively cultivated, especially in the 

 Northern and Western States. (See timothy.) Kentucky Blue-grass 

 (Poa pratensis). This is apparently native throughout the temper- 

 ate regions of the northern hemisphere. It ranges from Labrador 

 to South Carolina, westward to the Pacific Coast and northward to 

 Alaska. In the limestone regions of Kentucky and Tennessee it at- 

 tains its greatest perfection and is there regarded as the king of pas- 

 ture grasses. It requires a good soil containing some lime in order 

 to yield profitable crops. It is largely employed in the Eastern and 

 Middle States as a lawn grass, for which use it is well adapted. It 

 makes a good, firm sod, and is particularly well suited for turfing 

 the slopes of terraces and embankments, where the soil is good. 

 Sugar Cane (Saccharum officinarum). A stout grass with many- 

 jointed stems, 8 to 15 feet high, broad leaves, 3 to 4 feet long, and 

 long (16 to 32 inches), pyramidal panicles. (See sugar cane.) 

 Yellow Oat-grass (Trisetum pratense). A rather slender, loosely 



