192 THE GEASSES OF TENNESSEE. 



battle raged are heard and a blaze goes up that effectually 

 destroys all vegetation within its fiery circle. 



It grows best on the - richest land, but if the poorest soil 

 is once set with it, it acts a3 a fertilizer. This is to be at- 

 tributed to its wonderful net-work of roots, the immense 

 foliage it deposits on the soil, and to its dense shade. It is 

 a very difficult matter to break up cane land, but once broken, 

 it quickly rots and adds to the fertility of the soil. The roots 

 run to a surprising length and depth, and serve as pumps to 

 raise dormant fertilizing principles from below the reach of 

 any plow. 



The farmers living near the Mississippi bottoms find the 

 immense cane-brakes in that region exceedingly beneficial, 

 as they are in the habit of driving their stock to them, and the 

 most luxuriant pasturage is obtained, both summer and win- 

 ter. It will not grow in standing water, as the presence of 

 water destroys its roots. Therefore, it is only found on parts 

 of ground elevated above the swamps. 



Botanists reckon another species called Arundinacea tecta, 

 small cane, which is believed by many close observers-to be 

 the switch cane spoken of. The A. tecta has a peculiar mode 

 of inflorescence. From the creeping root are thrown up 

 simple leafless culms from six to twelve inches high with a 

 few spikelets in a simple raceme. These spring up in April, 

 and are highly relished by every kind of stock. 



COUCH GRASS, Twitch Grass, Chandler Grass, Dog Grass, 

 Witch Grass, Quack Grass, Quake Grass, Squitch and 

 Wheat Grass — (Triticum repens.) 



Has creeping roots; stem erect, round, smooth, about two feet high 

 striated, haying five or six flat leaves, with smooth, striated sheaths; the 

 joints are smooth, the two uppermost very remote, leaves dark green, 

 acute, upper one broader than the lower ones, roughish, sometimes 

 hairy on the inner surface; smooth on the lower half. Inflorescence in 

 spikes. Flowers in June and July. — Flint. 



This grass, though more a troublesome weed than an agri- 

 cultural acquisition, was brought from Europe by some one, 



