172 



SYSTEMATIC BOTANY. 



wheat-grains have been found in the pre-historic Lake 

 Dwellings of Switzerland. Under the 

 influence of cultivation, innumerable 

 . " varieties" have arisen, differing much 

 as to the color and quality of the grain, 

 presence or absence of awns, as to the 

 hardiness of the plant, etc. Barley 

 {Hordewm distichum and S. hexasti- 

 chum, two-rowed and six-rowed Barley) 

 ^^^ is now used in making bread ; it was 



cultivated in remote times. The Eye (Secale cereale) 

 has also been cultivated for ages, originating probably in 

 Southern Europe and Asia. Rice ( Oryza sativa), cultivated 

 in many countries, furnishes food to more human beings 

 than any other plant. Indian Corn, or Maize {Zea Mais), 

 a native of the warm regions of the New World, was 

 cultivated by the aborigines of North and South America. 

 Under its extensive cultivation many " varieties" have 

 arisen. The Oat (Avena sativa), grown more especially 

 in cooler climates, probably originated in North Europe 

 or Asia. Among the important forage Grasses are the 

 Timothy, or Herd's Grass {Phleum pratense). Red-top 

 (Agrostia vulgaris). Orchard Grass {Dactylis glomerata), all 

 natives of Europe; also Kentucky Blue 

 Grass (Foa protends) of the United States 

 and Europe, and Slough Grass {MuMenbergia 

 glomerata and M. Mexicana) of the Missis- 

 sippi Valley. The Sugar-Cane (Saecharum 

 offidnarum) is a native of the warm regions 

 of Asia, and is cultivated in all warm regions 



■ Fig. 288. A gramineous flower {Poa pratensis); w>j*a/, upper palet; ^, lower 

 palet. Fig. 289. Feathery stigma of Poa pratensis. 



