43 



a vegetable. The plant is perennial and here merely men- 

 tioned as entitled to extended culture in grouping this with 

 other stately plants. Several other species are worthy of 

 cultivation. 



Cynosurus cristatus, L. 



The Crested Dogstail-Grass. Europe, North Africa, "West 

 Asia. A perennial grass, particularly valuable as with- 

 standing drought, the roots penetrating to considerable 

 depth. The stems can also be used for bonnet plaiting. 

 Though inferior in value for hay this grass is well adapted 

 for permanent pasture, as it forms a dense turf without 

 suffocating other grasses or fodder-herbs. 



Cyperus corymbosus, Rottboell. 



India. This stately perennial species may be chosen to 

 fringe our lakes and ponds. It is extensively used for mats 

 in India. 



Cyperus Papyrus, L. 



The Nile Papyrus. Though no longer strictly an utilitarian 

 plant, as in ancient times, it could scarcely be passed on this 

 occasion, as it ought to become valuable in horticultural 

 trade. Its grand aspect recommends it as very decorative 

 for aquatic plantations. 



Cyperus Syriacus, Parlatore. 



The Syrian or Sicilian Papyrus. This is the Papyrus-plant 

 usual in garden cultivation. The plants in our Botanic 

 Garden attain a height of 8 feet, but suffer somewhat from 

 frost. Other tall Cyperi deserve introduction, for instance 

 C. giganteus, Eottboell, from West India and Ghiiana, these 

 kinds of plants being hardier than others from the tropics. 

 I have not ventured to recommend the introduction of 

 Cyperus esculentus, L., a Mediterranean species, remarkable 

 for its sweet tubers, known as Earth Almonds. It is stolo- 

 niferous like the allied Cyperus rotundus, L., which has 

 invaded the culture ground of many countries as an obnoxious 

 irrepressible weed. The tubers of Cyperus esculentus con- 

 tain about 16 per cent. oil. 



