72 FLOATING GLACERIA. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



FXOATIKG GLYCERIA, MANNA GRASS. 



{Glyceria Fluitans)— Specific Character. 



Spikelets 7 to 13 flowered ; lower palet, oblongs 

 obtuse, or the scarious tip acutish, entire or ob- 

 scurely, 3 lobed, usually rather longer than the blunt 

 upper one. Flowers in June and ripens seeds in 

 August. Observation. Leaves long, broad, and. 

 floating when in deep water. Eoot fibrous and 

 creeping, perrennial height two to three feet. 



This grass grows naturally in and by the sides of 

 ditches, pools, rivers, and on alluvial fresh water, 

 marshy, soils. Generally this grass is eaten with, 

 avidity by horses, cattle, sheep and swine. 



It has been said not to thrive except constantly in' 

 water, but there are few grasses better adapted for irr- 

 igated meadows, and even on moderately dry ground 

 it will yield a considerable produce. Its seeds are 

 very nourishing and form the manua seeds or manna 

 croups of the stores which are used in soups and 

 gruefs. They are rather difiicult to collect fromi 

 their ripening irregularly and being easily shaken 

 off when ripe. The seeds of this grass weigh 15? 

 pounds per bushel. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 



REED MEADOW GRASS. 



Olyceria Aquatica— Specific Character: 

 Panicle much branched, ample (8 to 15 inches ( 



