GRASSES OF THE GREAT PLAINS. 469 



vessel (which obviously becomes disinflated by the operation) is clear of the bung- 

 hole, after which it is then, by means of the induction-tube, drawn within the 

 main tube, where, as before mentioned, it will be secure from the ravages of 

 insects and vermin. 



The inventor is Mr. J. H. Partridge, of Kansas City. 



Stop- Valve for Radiators, Etc. — This improvement consists in provid- 

 ing the valve-casing with a removable packing-seat in addition to the main valve- 

 seat and further, with a continuous spindle that is devoid of a screw, and in lieu 

 thereof is provided with a spiral-sping and a locking-lug which operates within a 

 suitable longitudinal opening through the spindle casing. 



The object being to construct a stop-valve principally for use upon steam- 

 radiators, that will be quick in action, easy of operation and of simple construc- 

 tion and repair. 



A suitable operating handle is attached to a plain valve stem operating 

 within the stem-casing, which latter is provided with a longitudinal slot within 

 which the locking-lug is adapted to operate and, by reason of an annular cam- 

 shaped extension thereof in which the said lug adapted to be slightly rotated, 

 the valve may be securely locked in a closed position. 



The connections are threaded in the usual manner, and when it is desired 

 to open the valve, the stem is slightly rotated, thereby releasing the locking-lug 

 and bringing into action the spiral spring which instantly throws the valve open 

 until its packing-side comes into contact with the seat upon the upper end of the 

 thimble. 



The thimble is provided with an annular flange, and is threaded upon each 

 side for the purpose of forming a joint between the base of the spindle-casing 

 and the valve-casing. 



A number of inclined notches are placed along the sides of the locking-slot, 

 for the purpose of holding the valve at any intermediate point of opening. 



The inventor of this improvement is Mr. C. E. McClellan, of Kansas City. 



GRASSES OF THE GREAT PLAINS. 



Dr. George Vasey, botanist of the department of Agriculture, has returned 

 having spent a month in the arid region of the west, chiefly in northern New- 

 Mexico, Colorado, and western Kansas and Nebraska, where he has been en- 

 gaged in collecting specimens of the indigenous grasses of the country for the 

 New Orleans exhibition, and making observations on the distribution of the dif- 

 ferent varieties, especially those which constitute the staple of the great pastures 

 of the plains. Of fifty varieties obtained, all but a dozen or so were found in 

 elevated situations on the mountain sides, where there is more moisture than on 

 the plains ; but it is among the dozen varieties found on the lower levels that the 

 great herds of the pastoral region find their food, and of these the two varieties 



