72 FLOATING GLACERIA. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



FLOATING GLYCERIA, MANXA GRASS. 



(Olyceria Fluitans] Specific Character. 



Spikelets 7 to 13 flowered ; lower palet, oblong,, 

 obtuse, or the scarious tip acutish, entire or ob- 

 scurely, 3 lobed, usually rather longer than the blunt- 

 upper one. Flowers in June and ripens seeds in. 

 August. Observation. Leaves long, broad, and: 

 floating when in deep water. Boot fibrous and 

 creeping, perrennial height two to three feet. 



This grass grows naturally in and by the sides of 

 ditches, pools, rivers, and on alluvial fresh water, 

 marshy soils. Generally this grass is eaten with 

 avidity by horses, cattle, sheep and swine. 



It has been said not to thrive except constantly in 

 water, but there are few grasses better adapted for irr- 

 igated meadows, and even on moderately dry ground 

 it will yield a considerable produce. Its seeds are 

 very nourishing and iorm the manna seeds or manna 

 croups of the stores which are used in soups and 

 gruels. They are rather difficult to collect from 

 their ripening irregularly and being easily shaken 

 off when ripe. The seeds of this grass weigh 15 

 pounds per bushel. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 



REEIT MEADOW GRASS. 



Glyceria Aquatica Specific Character. 

 Panicle much branched, ample (8 to 15 inches 



