152 



NORTH-CAROLINA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. 



ern States, because it grows well in the warm climate of Italy. 

 It flowers twice in the season, and the second crop exceeds 

 the first. Sheep are fond of it, and when it is mixed with 

 white clover, an acre it is said will} r ieldan abundant pasturage 

 for ten, even with their lambs. An acre, therefore, would 

 grow grass for one cow. London observes, that it affords 

 more bulk of hay and more pasturage, than any other grass. 

 This remark, however, may be applicable only to the climate. 

 Another grass belonging to this genus, grows very generally 

 in the South ; it is the Floating Foxtail, Alopecurus genicu- 

 latus. Its stem is ascending, but bent at the lower joints, 

 forming knees, smooth and glabrous ; the sheaths are shorter 

 than the joints, and it has a panicle composed of cylindrical 

 spikes ; the glumes are pubescent, but the paleas are glabrous, 

 with an awn at base. It grows from 12 to 18 inches high, 

 and is common in the rice fields. It may flower as early as 

 March. It grows in water, upon which the upper part of the 

 ijtem floats. It is not so much relished by stock as to encour- 

 age its cultivation. Its early growth furnishes green and fresh 

 food when cattle need it the most, but still it is not sought for 

 with avidity. 



TRIBE III. PANICEAE. 



109. Spikelets two flowered ; inferior flowers incomplete. 



Panicum has two unequal glumes, the lower very small : 

 the lower florets also, are usually staminiferous. Paleae con- 

 cave, equal, beardless ; seed coated with the paleae ; flowers 

 in loose scattered panicles. 



PANICUM GERMANICUM. HUNGARIAN MILLET. 



The testimony which has come to hand respecting this 

 species of millet as a fodder, is favorable, so far as southern 

 cultivation is concerned, as it bears a drought well, and re- 

 vives speedily on the occurrence of rain, and is tolerably pro- 

 ductive on dry light soils. It becomes, however, luxuriant, 

 only on soils which are well manured. 



The plant is leafy and remains green until its seed are ma- 

 tured. In France its cultivation has become extended. As 

 a green fodder, it is said to be relished by stock of all kinds. 



It is sown broadcast and cultivated like other kinds of mil- 



