THE SEDGE FAMILY. 141 



XV. THE SEDGE FAMILY. CYPERACE^E. 



The study of this family involves no little difficulty, and its various 

 genera present such wide differences that it is impossible to select 

 one that may be taken strictly as a " type." Nevertheless, it is 

 desirable that at least the conspicuous and widely distributed 

 genus Carex should be familiarly known. 



As a convenient representative, we select one of the most common 

 species. 



CAREX. C. hystricina, Muhl. 

 General Characters. 



Note the locality and choice of surroundings, the habit 

 of growth, whether in clumps or scattered, the height to 

 which the plant grows, and general resemblance, if any, to 

 other plants already studied. 



Stem and Leaves. 



I. Notice the form and structure of the culm. How 

 does it differ from that of w T heat and other grasses ? 



II. Note the relation of stem and leaves. In how many 

 ranks are the latter disposed ? How do their sheaths differ 

 from those of the grasses ? Is there a ligule ? 



III. Describe the leaves as to form and surface. Observe 

 their behavior in drying. 



Inflorescence and Flowers. 



I. How many inflorescences are there? Are they sessile 

 or stalked? 



