SEDGES. 43 



Some of the grasses smell very sweetly when 

 they are in blossom/' said Mary, " and I dare say 

 they have a sweet taste to cows and sheep." 



4 'No doubt. Sugar is to be found in most 

 grasses, and the sugar-cane is itself a grass. Maize 

 or Indian corn also abounds in sugar, and has 

 been recommended for cultivation as a substitute 

 for the sugar-cane." 



" What a useful tribe," remarked Henry. " It 

 would be worth while to make out a list of the 

 things the grasses are used for. It would be a 

 very long one ; for, besides the use of the grass 

 itself and the different kinds of grain, there would 

 be hay and straw to notice, and all the things that 

 are made of them." 



"And the use of reeds and canes," said his 

 father, " which are only large grasses. But 

 SEDGES,* which much resemble grasses in outward 

 appearance, are a distinct tribe, and have not the 

 same nourishing qualities ; they are therefore not 

 much sought after by cattle. You have seen 

 them growing up in marshy places, and have 

 noticed their frequently having a sharp triangular 

 stem, which will almost cut your fingers. The 

 * Cyperus. 



