182 THE GRASSES OF TENNESSEE. 



CHAPTER XV. 



CHEEPING MEADOW GBASS — STRONG-SCENTED MEADOW 

 GRASS — SLENDER MEADOW GRASS — MEADOW COMB 

 GRASS — QUAKING GRASS — SMALL FESCUE — SHEEP FES- 

 CUE — MEADOW FESCUE, AND OTHER FESCUE GRASSES — 

 COMMON REED GRASS. 



CREEPING MEADOW GRASS.-- {Eragrostis reptans) 



This is an annual grass; flowers in July, and grows eight to eighteen 

 inches high. It has short, nearly awl-shaped leaves, smooth, long 

 spikelets, loose sheaths, slightly hairy on the margin; panicles from one 

 tatwo inches long. It has long, creeping roots. — Mint. 



It is very common in open pastures and fence corners, 

 and is relished by stock; but, being an annual is not worthy 

 of being sown. 



STRONG-SCENTED MEADOW GRASS.- (EragresHs' Poas- 



Another species of the same genus is this grass, with flat and smooth 

 leaves; lower sheaths hairy, spikelets containing from ten to twenty 

 florets, of a lead color, and flowers in August. Found mostly on road- 

 sides and in old gravelly fields. It has a strong, disagreeable smell but 

 handsome in appearnce. 



SLENDER MEADOW GTLAS8.--(Eragrosli$ pilosa.) 



Large, loose, pyramidal panicle; spikelets from five to twelve flow- 

 ered, of a purplish lead color; glumes and lower palea obtuse; grows 

 from six to twelve inches high. — Mint. 



This, like the former, is found in old fields or sandy 

 barrens. It is one of the grasses occupying the "barrens," 

 and serves a good purpose in sustaining cattle in these un- 

 occupied places. It is also cultivated in gardens, like the 

 preceding, as an ornament for bouquets. Annual. 



