EQUISETACE^ 613 



are solid, usually angular, and, like the leaves, possessed of sharp 

 cutting edges. They grow upon all classes of soils, from the 

 wettest to the driest, each kind of ground having its own peculiar 

 species. The flowers are arranged in spikelets similar to those 

 of grasses, which they somewhat resemble. Some with glaucous 

 leaves are known among farmers as ' carnation grasses.' Their 

 nutritive value is small, and being commonly rejected by stock 

 must be considered as weeds to be exterminated from pastures 

 and meadows by draining, mowing and liberal use of manures. 



EQUISETACE^. — Horse-tails (see page 603) are common 

 weeds in damp pastures. Stock refuse them. If accidentally 

 consumed in grass or hay the plants are liable to have dangerous 

 effects. 



Ex. 274. — The student iihould make a collection of the chief arable and 

 pasture weeds found in his district. 



He should pay special attention to the kind of soil and condition of the 

 land— whether highly cultivated or neglected — on which they occur. 



The complete plant — root, stem, leaves, flowers and fruit — should be 

 collected in order to show the habit and general appearance of the weed. 



The specimens are readily dried by first placing them between several 

 thicknesses of blotting paper, and then laying the whole under a heavy flat- 

 bottomed box or heavily-weighted board to press them flat. 



After remaining a day thus, the paper should be changed, fresh dry papers 

 being substituted for the old ones : after thus changing once or twice the 

 plants will be found completely dry and ready for mounting on suitable 

 sheets of white cardboard or thick paper. 



