The Book of Grasses 



stigmas. Not until September, however, is the plant in its 

 greatest beauty, as the spikelets at maturity change to tiny 

 silvery plumes adorning the ripened and richly coloured stems. 



In similar locations, though less common in the North, is the 

 Broom Sedge {Andropbgon virginicus), which may be distinguished 

 by an examination of the spikes; those of this species being 

 borne in pairs or several together. In the South this grass is 

 much stouter, and on mountainsides and in lowlands it covers 

 the fields with its rank growth. Aside from its value to the 

 farmer in early summer, Broom Sedge, as its name indicates, 

 finds later a more humble use in the household. Great hand- 

 fuls of the stout stems are tied together, and when the hairy 

 spikelets are beaten out, and the slender tips cut off, a service- 

 able, brush-like broom is ready for immediate use on hearth 

 and floor. 



Stiff, brown groups of Beard-grass and Broom Sedge remain 

 standing through all the winter months, and are as easily recog- 

 nized in March as they were in the preceding summer. Brilliant 

 colours are rare when Nature is clothed in the dull brown of faded 

 leaves, but these grasses, beneath their neutral tones, hold a colour 

 more striking than in summer. On a wintry day strip from the 

 stem one of the dry sheaths. The inner surface glistens with 

 colour varying from pale yellow to copper colour and bright 

 orange-red, while in a closely related species of the South (John- 

 son Grass, Sdrghum halepSnse) the long sheaths are lined with 

 glowing crimson. 



Forked Beard-grass blooms by fences and hedges in early 

 autumn. The tall stems, rich in colouring, are surmounted by 

 short, spreading spikes of reddish brown or purple, and by this 

 finger-like inflorescence the grass is easily recognized. 



Bushy Beard-grass {Andropbgon glomeratus) is found in damp 

 soil from New York southward. It is rarely more than three 

 feet tall, and as the branches which bear the spikes are elongated 

 the stems are crowned with dense, terminal panicles of hairy 

 blossoms. 



Aromatic perfumes are prepared from certain foreign grasses 

 of this genus. Citronella oil is distilled from a species of Hindostan, 

 and the roots of another are woven into the "Vessaries," or fan- 

 screens, which, when dampened and hung in a current of air, be- 

 fore door or window, perfume and cool the house. 



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