254< LETTER xxir. 



Would he commit himself to the waves, the stems 

 form the hull of his boat, which a few skins stretched 

 over it render water tight ; they also give him masts ; 

 and thin slips of wood become cordage or are woven 

 into sails. 



In tropical countries Grasses are far more gigantic 

 than in England ; we usually see them at their 

 largest, two or three feet high, when in flower in the 

 hay fields ; and the reeds that in marshes or ponds 

 gain a stature of seven or eight feet, are probably the 

 noblest specimens of the tribe with which you are ac- 

 quainted. But in equinoctial regions, where the air is 

 damper, and the sun far more powerful and brilliant 

 than with us. Grasses acquire such surprising dimen- 

 sions as to rival Palms themselves in majesty of 

 appearance. In Brazil we are told that the hay will 

 grow seven or eight feet high, the Sugar-cane plant 

 (Saccharum) averages 20 feet, and Bamboos, with 

 their light imperishable stems, lance up into the air 

 to the height of 30 or 40 feet. It is in such regions 

 alone that we can really behold the perfection of the 

 Grass tribe. 



Let us, however, be contented mth examining one 

 of our own species for a knowledge of the structure 

 of this singular tribe ; we shall find every peculiarity 

 of structure that tropical species afford, and we can 

 easilv imagine all that difference of size is likely 

 to produce. 



One of the commonest of British Grasses is the 

 Soft Brome-grass (Bromus mollis, Plate XXII. 1.) ; 

 a plant which you will be almost certain to meet 



