RIBBON GRASS AND CANARY GRASS 639 
now widely cultivated throughout Britain and Europe, and when grown 
in well-developed tufts, 5 or 6 feet through, crowned by the enormous 
silvery plumes rising to 10 or 12 feet high, constitutes a splendid addition 
to any garden. It obtains its popular name from its abundance on the 
Pampas, those vast dry plains of Argentina. In most parts of this 
country it has proved sufficiently hardy to withstand ordinary winters 
. out of doors, when once well established. 
GYNERIUM ARGENTEUM (silvery). Stems 8 to 12 feet 
high, forty or fifty springing from one well-grown plant. 
Leaves very narrow, with sharp-toothed edges, glaucous, about 6 feet 
long, arching and curling. Flowers in dense silky, plumy panicles, 
supported on stout, erect stalks; September. Ordinarily the panicles 
are silvery greyish white in colour, but there are varieties with the 
panicles of a purplish or a yellowish tint. 
Pampas Grass should be planted with an eye to the 
fact that it will become a large mass of graceful foliage 
and silver plumes ; and, if possible, it should be given a roomy central 
position where it can develop its full proportions symmetrically. It is a 
good subject for the centre of a lawn, or for a deep border backed by a 
shrubbery or plantation, which will have the effect of setting off its 
general lightness of colour. The most congenial soil for it is ight and 
sandy, enriched with stable manure. Where obtainable, it is best to 
plant divisions from mature specimens, as the seedlings, even with liberal 
treatment, will not flower until about four years old. Seeds should be 
sown under glass in a moist atmosphere, and the seedlings grown on in 
pots until large enough to plant outside, where they will need protection 
during their first winter. During the period of growth water must be 
given freely. In order to preserve the plumes for indoor decoration, they 
should be cut soon after they have fully expanded. 
Principal Species. 
Cultivation. 
RIBBON GRASS AND CANARY GRASS 
Natural Order GRAMINER. Genus Phalaris 
PHALARIS (the old Greek name). A genus of about ten species of 
grasses, of which only two are in cultivation. The inflorescence is a 
panicle, which, however, may be loose, compact, or spike-like. The 
spikelets are much compressed, each containing one perfect flower 
within two keeled empty glumes. Between these outer empty glumes 
will usually be found two or more minute scales, which are really 
