LIGHT SEEDS, I5t 
hassock grass, but what relation it is (if any), to tufted 
hair grass, we know not. Somehow or other it manages 
to get a footing on very soft ground, even on what are 
known as hovers (literally islands of floating mud held 
up by vegetable roots and sparse vegetation), and, having 
once gained root, it develops into tufts, and constantly 
keep throwing out long wiry fronds, which are very hard, and 
will cut the hands like a knife. As these fronds emanate from 
the top of the tuft, the increase forms a stool, extending in 
height and size in accordance with the age of its growth. 
These hassocks are so strong that one can often jump from 
one to the other, and thus use them as stepping-stones over 
what might otherwise prove to be an impassable swamp ; in 
fact, they are sometimes used as a foundation for roadways 
over swamps in place of faggots. 
Like the white cedar of South Carolina, hassock grass on 
swamps seems to be the harbinger of the formation of sounder 
ground. It does not always seed, but in favourable positions 
it throws up two tall seed stems, some six feet in length, 
bearing the most elegant spikelets and seed glumes, which have 
a striking effect when used for ornamentation. Hassock grass 
is also useful as a cover for game. 
Doc’s ToorH CoucH Grass (TRITICUM CANINUM, Hup.). 
Although many consider this a weed of the worst character, 
we think it advisable to mention it, as it is not only edible, but 
will often find root where everything else has been destroyed 
by flood. It is also known under the name of fibrous wood 
couch grass (Agriopyrum caninum, Linn.). Like dodder, it is 
difficult to kill so long as it is fed by moisture, but, unlike other 
couches, it does not spread by its roots; it is not a creeping 
grass, and is without stolons. It is found in wet places, and 
if you examine a swarth of hay cut on. boggy land and laid’ 
