72 



grows from two to four feet high and has long narrow leaves. It is 

 greatly relished by stock and does not appear to have any troublesome 

 qualities. 



There are twelve species of this grass, according to Dr. Gattinger, 

 found in the Southern States, seven of which are found in the State of 

 Tennessee. He says: ''The various species which represent this grass 

 within the State of Tennessee rank, in my opinion, foremost by the num- 

 ber of individuals, nutritious qualities and tenacity of life, amongst the 

 whole of the grazing herbage. They are perennials with thick, strong, 



2. Inflorescence. 



Hairy* Flowered Paspalum Paspalum ovatum. 



3. Upper leaf. 4. Spikelet. 5. Spikelet laid open. 6. Floral glume. 

 7. Palea and lodicule. 



running roots, often making a dense matting. Wherever they take hold 

 other plants disappear. * * * Blue grass and paspalum are frequently 

 commingled but the latter succeeds the former by four or five weeks and 

 comes in full force after the former has perished away. They are vigor- 

 ous growing succulent grasses with heavy culms, large and smooth seed 

 grains with a smooth and thin epidermis. They must surely be very 

 nutritious and their habit and cultivation ought to be studied." 



