p. SPICATUM, PEARL MILLET. 187 



ing. Loaves Hat. Spikelots crowded in a spike-like panicle, or 

 on spike-like branches. 



Species about 40, mostly African, a few in tropical Asia and 

 America. 



P.typboideum.Pearl, Indian, African^ Cat-tails, or Horse 

 Millet. — This grass lias beta spoken of very 'lighly as a meadow 

 grass for the Soutli, where it has been grown for many years. It 

 needs an abundance of heat, rich soil, and makes a rank, rapid 

 growth six or eight feet higli, each culm teminating in a still" 

 spike an inch in diameter and six to twelve inches in length. 

 Branches come out in abundan(;e near the ground, hence tliere 

 will be all states of advancement in tlie spikes of flowers. As 

 said of Panicum Texamim (Texas ^Eillett) and ^Sorghnm hala- 

 penso (Johnson grass), it may be cut two or three times a year, 

 and yield an abundant crop of rather coarse hay. It cures slowly. 

 In central Michigan, where it has been tried, tlio summers are 

 too cool for po'fecting seed, and the crop does not become large 

 till ".ate in the season. Indian corn is certainly preferable for 

 the North, and perhaps as suitable for the South. 



I'AXKL'il, L. 



Spikelets born on a jointed pedicel, spikclets racemed or pan- 

 icled, with one perfect terminal flower, and usually a second 

 which is male or neutral. Glumes usually 4, the lowest small or 

 minute, the second and third usually sub-equal, membranous, 

 awnless or rarely awned, empty or the third including the rudi- 

 ment of a i)alea or a male flower; the terminal including a per- 

 fect flower, shorter and more obtuse tlian the others, carioceous, 

 as is also the included palea. Lodiculcs, )i, fleshy. Stamens, 3. 

 Styles distinct or united at the base for a short distance, stigmas 

 feathery. Caryopsis included in the firm floral glume and palea, 

 free. Annuals or i)erennials of various luibits. 



Fi(i. «;{. -r'c»iiii.'<efi/m tiinhiiiileuni Pk-h. ; rr, top of a plant witli a spike reducetl 

 one-haU'; ft, a pair of spikelets on tlic sliort luiiry pedicel, with bristly incolucni ; c, 

 ■view ot one spikelet ; rf, another view.— (Scribner). 



