45- 



HOWELL'S FESCUE-GRASS. 

 {Festuca howcllii, Hack.) 



This fine-leaved fescue was seen abundantly on the dry, 

 steep hillsides of a canyon below the falls at Webber Lake and in 

 patches under the pines. The leaves are sent up very profusely 

 from the base, forming tender, nutritious forage. 



DWARF WESTERN FESCUE-GRASS, 



{Fesiuca microstachys.} 



In many places on the sagebrush hills this grass covered the 

 ground almost entirely. It ranges from two to twelve inches in 

 height, and will grow under the most unfavorable conditions of 

 soil. When seen by the writers in June it was in a very unin- 

 viting, dry condition; but when green in the early spring it is 

 said to contribute very largely to the forage for sheep. As it is 

 an annual, however, and possesses little leaf gro\vth, it can hardly 

 be considered worthy of introduction into cultivation. 



LETTERMAN'S FEATHER-GRASS. 

 (Stipa lettermani, Vasey var. nov.) 



PL. XXI. 



This grass was found growing in dense, tufted bunches on 

 the dry hillsides near Lincoln Valley and at Webber Lake. It 

 was so abundant in one place that it almost formed a meadow. 

 The sheep ate it greedily, but left the roots uninjured. 



WESTERN FEATHER-GRASS NEEDLE-GRASS. 

 (Stipa occidentalis, Thurb.) 



This bunch-grass was met with frequently on dry soil on the 

 plains and foothills. It has numerous strong roots which enable 

 it to withstand drought to a marked degree. Although the 

 plants had been subjected to severe trampling and grazing for 

 many years, yet the bunches looked thrifty and vigorous. 



