HOW TO STUDY THE GRASSES. 75 



trollud, hong lists luivo been given, but there is mueli risk in 

 prescribing for sucli a great country as tlie United States. 



/). The Aijrarian Grasses are moro properly those which occur 

 in land under tillage. They are weeds such as IJromtis secalinus, 

 L. (Chess), A(/ropi/rov repens, L. (Quack or Couch Grass), Set aria 

 n'ridis, Beauv. S.t/lauca, Beauv. (Fox tails), J'a/ncinn sanyuinale, 

 L. (Finger Grass). 



The various Uses of Grasses. — These are, — 



1°. For the grain as food, cereals, or drink as whisky, etc. 



'il°. For pasture. 



3°. For hay. 



4°. For nianufactun^s, paper, substitute for lumber, sugar, 

 nuits, hats, etc. ; bamboos for many things. 



5*^. For fuel; the tops in close ovens, Indian corn in stoves. 

 0°. For preventing the wasliing of banks and drifting of sands. 



How to begin the Study. — We will suppose the learner has 

 but a very limited kjiowledge of botany and is possessed of some 

 enthusiasm, a good stock of patience and perseverance. The 

 latter cpudity is of the greatest importance, and without it, suc- 

 cess cannot be attained. A diligent pursuit of the subject is 

 sure to crown the student with success, and this, for several 

 good reasons, is worth all it costs. 



This book contains many good illustrations, but a study of 

 pictures alone, with a few superficial glances at plants, will never 

 make a botanist. There nuiy be a hundred names, rather uncom- 

 mon and technical, to become familiar with, but this should dis- 

 courage no person of good ability. All of these words are defined 

 ill the glossary at the eiul of the volume. 



To have the use of a good, simple miscroscope magnifying ten 

 to twenty diameters is absolutely essential. This should be 

 mounted on a stage or block on which the flowers or other small 

 parts may be laid, while both hands are free for dissecting with 



