250 



BOTANY. 



rice, all natives of the old world, have been in cultivation 

 from time immemorial. Indian Corn, being a native of 

 America, has but recently come under general cultivation. 

 The stems of most grasses are nutritious, and constitute the 

 greater part of the pasturage and fodder for domestic ani- 

 mals. In several of the larger species, as the Sugar-canes, 



Fia. 139.— Part of a flowering plant of the Banana, showing the unfolding 

 flower-bud and the young fruits. 



this nutritious matter is so abundant as a sweet juice that 

 they furnish the greater part of the sugar of the world. 



526. The Palms, while of little value to the people of 

 cooler climates, furnish in tropical regions most of the 

 necessaries of life. In some countries every want of man 

 is supplied by one or another of the palms. The Cocoa- 

 nut-palm, now grown in all hot climates, is one of the most 

 useful of the species, furnishing material for huts, fences. 



