13 
of the most valuable of the native grasses, Though it occurs in greater or less 
abundance on the prairies, it reaches its best development in the moist bottom 
lands along streams and in the lake regions. In the Sioux Valley, Red River 
Valley, Big Stone Basin, an rete: Missouri Valley this is the most highly prized 
hay grass of all the native species. It is becoming more abundant as the coun- 
try is coma up, and prairie fires are better controlled and the meadows given 
better 
Big Sand-grass (Calamovilfa longifolia). 
This is one of the most widely distributed grasses on the Northwest prairies. It 
prefers sandy soils in rather moist localities. It is one of the most conspicuous 
grasses of the moist runs and sandy basins of the Bad Lands, and affords a con- 
siderable amount of M Bend Its rigid leaves 
and strong-g ke it an excellent 
sand binder. 
Black Grama (Bouteloua hirsuta). 
This is often fonnd in company with Blue Grama, but is 
much less common and of less importance agricul- 
turall 
Blow-out grass (Muhlenbergia pungens). 
This grass is apparently rare, and i is of little value for 
0 
in dry, sandy soil, and is of considerable value as a 
sand binder. 
Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium). 
This is a small grass-like plant belonging to the Iris 
family, and is quite abundant in the eastern part 
of both States. It forms clusters of leaves and 
stems, which are liked by all kinds of stoc 
Blue Grama ( Bouteloua oligostachya). 
This is the most common grama in the Northwest. It is 
very abundant on the ranges, and ranks among the 
most M HON plants for grazing purposes in those 
regions. “sun cures,” and not only serves for 
" er | 
with Black Grama, it is often called“ Buffalo-grass.” Fra. 3.—Blue Grama (Boute- 
Cattlemen hold both grasses in high esteem (fig. 3). loua oligostachya). 
Blue-joint (Calamagrostis canadensis and C. seribneri). 
The Blue-joints are abundant 3 in moist meadows and pastures. They 
oduce an excellent growth of root leaves, and hence are heavy yielders. The 
hay, though often coarse, is almost equal to Timothy in nutritive qualities. 
Bog-rush (Juncus spp.). 
Several species of Bog-rush occur in greater or less abundance. All are eaten by 
stock to some extent, and they usually form a small part of the hay obtained 
from low boggy p 
Bouteloua hirsuta. (See Black Grama.) 
Bouteloua oligostachya. (See Blue Grama.) 
Bouteloua racemosa. (See Tall Grama.) 
