114 FIRST BOOK OF GRASSES 



Grasses have been so successful in the struggle for 

 existence that they have a wider range than any other 

 family, occupying all parts of the earth and exceed- 

 ing any other in the number of individuals. They 

 reach the limits of vegetation (except for lichens and 

 algae) in the polar regions and on mountain tops, 

 endure both cold and torrid desert conditions, form 

 the main part of the vegetation of vast prairies, 

 plains, savannas, and steppes of both hemispheres, 

 and occupy great stretches of marsh and tide flats, 

 where they are building up dry land. Bamboos, the 

 largest of grasses, form extensive forests and dense 

 jungles. Grasses range in height from less than an 

 inch, full grown, to over a hundred feet, and they 

 have developed all manner of contrivances for the 

 dissemination of their seeds. 



GRASSES IN RELATION TO MAN 



Of all plants, grasses are by far the most important 

 to man. The grains of wheat, barley, rye, oats, rice, 

 com, sorghum, and millet form the staple food of the 

 greater part of mankind, while the animals that 

 furnish food and labor, wool, mohair, and leather 

 live principally on grasses. The grains are also 

 sources of starch, alcohol, and glucose. Sugar and 

 sirup are obtained from sugar-cane and varieties of 

 sorghum, and of late years enormous quantities of 

 cooking oil are secured from the germ of the corn. 

 Grasses furnish the material for brooms and brushes 



