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loosely flowered panicles. There are several varieties, distinguished by the 
color of the fruit or character of the panicle. This is the true millet which has 
been cultivated in the East from prehistoric times, so that now its native coun- 
try is not known. It is still cultivated to a considerable extent in China and 
Japan, also in South Russia and Roumania, and to a limited extent in other 
parts of Europe and North Africa. It requires a rich soil, and under favorable 
conditions its growth is very rapid and its production of seed large, in some 
instanees amounting to 60 or 70 bushels to the acre. The grain is nutritious, 
and is one of the best for feeding poultry. When ground the flour makes a 
rich and nutritious porridge, for which purpose it is chiefly used in the eastern 
eountries where the grass is grown. In northern India, where the grain is 
argely used, a preparation of it constitutes a favorite food at marriage cere- 
monies. Owing to its rapid and somewhat succulent growth, it is an excellent 
occasionally Noii in the older settlements in cultivate elds and waste 
grounds about dwellings. The number of grasses termed millets in various 
parts of the world is large, and includes many very different ime whose grain, 
however, is used for human food. Most of the 58 millets belong to the 
genera Setaria, Panicum, and Paspalum. They form the principal food grains of 
the natives of many parts of Africa and Asia. It has been estimated that the 
millets feed one-third of the human race 
Panicum miliare Lam. 
An annual, with branching stems, 2 to 3 feet high, and drooping, loosely flowered 
panicle. A native of India, where it is cultivated to some extent by the poorer 
classes for its grain. 
Panicum molle Sw. Para-grass; Yerba de Para; Spanish-grass. 
A rather coarse, reed-like perennial, 4 to 6 feet high, with hairy nodes, and narrow, 
lax panicles, 6 to 8 inches long. It is cultivated in South America and in the 
West Indies and Mexico, and has been introduced into some of the Gulf States. 
It is grown with success on the high pine ridges of Florida, and wherever culti- 
vated it is most highly esteemed and regarded as a very fattening pasture grass 
How far to the north this grass may be grown successfully does not appear to 
have been determined, but it is hardy at the Cape of Good Hope and other far 
extra — regions (Baron von Mueller). Iti » propagated either by seeds or 
root cuttings. «e 
Panicum obtusum H. B. K. Vine Mesquit; Grapevine Mesquit; Grapevine-grass; 
Range-grass (Arizona). 
A stoloniferous grass, the runners attaining a length of 8 to 10 feet, the upright 
flowering culms 12 to 24 inches high. This grass Er te from Colorado to Texas, 
New Mexico, Arizona, and southward into Mexieo. It is usually found in irri- 
gated lands or in the low, damp soil of the valleys, idal frequently under the 
shade of trees and shrubs. No attempts have n mä cultivate this grass, 
cient importance to call for e in its cultivation. In New Mexico this 
species is called Wire-grass." 
Panicum plicatum Lam. 
A broad-leafed perennial, 3 to 4 feet high or more, native of India. The leaves are 
did striate and usually pente, giving to the grass an unusual and at the 
e attraetive appearance. is a favorite ornamental for greenhouse 
c 
