PREFACE. 



The object of the following pages is to embody 

 tlie most recent practical and scientific information 

 on the history, culture, and nutritive value, of the 

 grasses and the grains. To make the work practi- 

 cally useful, I have treated the subject with plain- 

 ness and simplicity, so far as it admits of it, and 

 have at least indicated to the reader the vast field 

 of study which lies open before him in this direction. 



The large number of illustrations of the different 

 species of grasses, drawn, as they have been, with 

 great care and accuracy, will serve to facilitate the 

 study and identification of unknown specimens. Most 

 of these appeared in the first and second editions of 

 the work. I have added to this edition a few, drawn 

 by Professor I. A. Lapham, of Milwaukie. 



In treating the subject from an economical point 

 of view, I have tried to give what is known to be 

 of special value, and have presented the experience 

 of practical men upon points about which the opin- 

 ions of farmers differ. The reader will be best able 

 to judge how far I have succeeded in accomplishing 

 my object. 



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