AI ANI 
53 
few inches to nearly a foot high. This is one of the most ESOO of the 
grasses of the dry plains and mesas of the Southwest. It forms a dense, green 
sward, and in habit of growth closely resembles the true Buffalo gens It may 
e propagated by the runners as well as by seed. In some parts of Mexico a 
decoction of the grass is a popular remedy for purifying blood, especially in 
cases of skin diseases. 
Hilaria jamesii Benth. Black Bunch-grass; * Guyetta;" Gietta. 
This i is a rather coarse perennial, with creeping rootstocks, and stems 12 to 18 inches 
t is common on the dry mesas of New Mexi dun and Arizona, extending 
eastward into Texas and Indian Territory. Wh lant it is regarded as 
one of the most valuable native grasses and furnishes excellent pasturage at all 
times when not covered with snow, and is frequently cut for hay. The closely 
M 
y 
V 
NI 
«^ 
«t 
y 
Fic. 48.—Sweet-grass. (Hierochloë Fia. 49.—Gietta-grass. (Hilaria 
odor rigida.) 
ata.) 
ter or 
11 l ti ws in am 5 dense patches of grea’ 
allied Hilaria mutica gro e , e ras 
gle.) 
less extent on hillsides, mesas, and pla Pini 
largely gathered for hay, being rot a a bue 
Hilaria rigida Seribn. Guyetta, or Gietta grass. (Fig.49.) 
In the driest regions of southern California and Arizona, rei! in the deserts 
bacis other grasses are rarely if ever seen. known to the eps 
“guyetta” or “gietta” grass. It has ure much-branched and = sid 
EU. 2 feet high or more, growing in great clumps, resembling in its habi 
some of the dwarf bamboos. The stems and leaf sheaths are clothed with a 
dense, white-matted pubescence, which gives to the grass a peculiarly r ee 
appearance. In the regions where it grows it is regarded as valuable fi 
for pack animals and mules, there being little other vegetation which they can 
