182 THE GRASSES OF TENNESSEE. 



CHAPTEK XV. 



CREEPING MEADOW GRASS STRONG-SCENTED MEADOW 

 GRASS SLENDER MEADOW GRASS MEADOW COMB 

 GRASS QUAKING GRASS SMALL FESCUE SHEEP FES- 

 CUE MEADOW FESCUE, AND OTHER FESCUE GRASSES 

 COMMON REED GRASS. 



CREEPING MEADOW GnA.SS.~(Eragrostis reptans) 



This is an annual grass; flowers in July, and grows eight to eighteen 

 inches high. It has short, nearly awl-shaped leaves, smooth, long 

 spikelets, loose sheaths, slightly hairy on the margin; panicles from one 

 to two inches long. It has long, creeping roots. Flint. 



It is very common in open pastures and fence corners, 

 and is relished by stock; but, being an annual is not worthy 

 of being sown. 



STRONG-SCENTED MEADOW GRASS.- (Eragrostis Po<z- 

 oides. 



Another species of the same genus is this grass, with flat and smooth 

 leaves; lower sheaths hairy, spikelets containing from ten to twenty 

 florets, of a lead color, and flowers in August. Found mostly on road- 

 sides and in old gravelly fields. It has a strong, disagreeable smell but 

 handsome in appearnce. 



SLENDER MEADOW GrHA.SS.~(Eragrostis pilosa.) 



Large, loose, pyramidal panicle; spikelets from five to twelve flow- 

 ered, of a purplish lead color; glumes and lower palea obtuse; grows 

 from six to twelve inches high. Mint. 



This, like the former, is found in old fields or sandy 

 barrens. It is one of the grasses occupying the "barrens," 

 and serves a good purpose in sustaining cattle in these un- 

 occupied places. It is also cultivated in gardens, like the 

 preceding, as an ornament for bouquets. Annual. 



