SPAETINA. 153 



less palets, of which the upper is' longest. Squam- 

 uls3 none ; stamens 3 ; styles long, more or less 

 united ; perennials with simple and rigid reed-like 

 culms, from extensively creeping, scaly rootstocks, 

 racemed spikes ; very smooth sheaths, and long and 

 tough leaves, (whence the name, from the Greek 

 word, spartine, a cord, such as was made from the 

 bark of the Spartium or Broom). 



1. S. Gynosuroides (Fresh Water Cord Grass, or 

 Tall Marsh Grass). Found on banks of rivers and 

 lakes, especially Northward, also in Western States. 

 Flowers in August. 



2. S. Polystachya (The Salt Reed Grass). Salt or 

 brackish marshes, within tide water, especially 

 Southward. 



3. S. Juncea (Rush Salt Grasss). Salt marshes 

 and sea beaches. 



4. S. Stricta (Salt Marsh Grass). Salt marshes. 

 Pennsylvania and South. Odor strong and rancid. 



5. S. Glabra (Rough Marsh Grass), a variety of 

 the last; common on the coast of Is'ew England, 

 Southward. 



6. S. Atterniflora (Smooth Marsh Grass. This 

 grass has a strong and rancid odor, and is common 

 with the last. Spartina Atterniflora and S. Poly- 

 stachya, are worthy the special attention of students, 

 as they are supposed to be varieties of what was 

 commonly known in Europe many years ago, as the 

 American cocksfoot. (Dactylis Cynosurides.) 



