properties which Man has yet been able to convert to his own immediate 

 advantage: But it becomes us to be cautious how we decide upon the 

 value of objects, from the imperfect views of their utility, afforded by 

 our limited knowledge. Many created beings, which appear to us as nui- 

 sances, may be important agents for good, in the general economy of Na- 

 ture. The most worthless Grasses — or the veriest weeds that annoy the 

 husbandman — may be the instruments of a wise Providence, for collect- 

 ing fertilizing principles from every falling shower, or passing breeze, — 

 and imparting them, in turn, to the soil on which they are finally decom- 

 posed. These silent and imperceptible processes may doubtless be extend- 

 ed, and their benefits enhanced, by human ingenuity and cc-operation : 

 but their spontaneous occurrence, in the great Laboratory of Nature, can 

 scarcely elude the notice of the scientific observer. 



With respect to locality, or peculiar places of growth, affected by thi» 

 numerous Tribe, there is but little to remark.* We find Grasses growing 

 on dry land, and in water; but none that are properly marine plants — 

 They occur in every kind of soil ; both in society with others, and alone ; 

 sometimes occupying considerable districts, to the almost entire exclusion 

 of other form? of vegetation, and thus forming the beautiful turf, so 

 much admired in Lawns, and Meadows. Sand appears to be less favora- 

 ble to their growth; but even this produces species which seem almost pe- 

 culiar to itself. 



The diffusion of this family has almost no other limits than those of 

 the whole vegetable kingdom. Grasses occur under the equator ; and are 

 among the few plants to be met with in the frozen regions of Spitzbergen. 

 On the mountains of the south of Europe, and on the Andes, in our own 

 hemisphere, they ascend almost to the line of perpetual snow. 



The most striking differences between tropical and extra-tropical Grass- 

 es, are the following : 



1. The tropical Grasses acquire a much greater height, and occasion- 

 ally assume the appearance of trees. Some species ol Bamboo, are from 

 50 to 60 feet high. 



2. The haves of the tropical Grasses are broader, and appproach more 

 in form to those of other families of plaits. 



3. The flowers, in tropical grasses, are more frequently imperfect, or 

 diclinous, — i. e. the stamens and pistils are oftencr found in distinct and 



*A number of the facts and observations concerning the Gramine;e, 

 here presented, may be found in Prof. Lindley's JNatural System ot Bot- 

 any, — a most valuable and interesting work, to the student ot that sci- 

 ence. 



