244 PLANTS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



long and fine, so that the spikes appear hairy and smooth ; in 

 marshes ; Boston ; June. Big. This grass is widely spread 

 over North America. 



Elymus. L. 3. 2. Lime Grass. Wild Rye. 



Derived from the Greek to cover, from the use of one species 

 in coarse fabrics. Loudon. 



The 4 species of this grass in this State, E. Canadensis, L., 

 hystrix, L., villosus, Muhl., and Virginicus, L., are not abundant, 

 and are of little utility. They usually grow on the sandy banks of 

 streams, or in sandy woods. Most of them are fine-looking plants. 

 E. glaucifolius, W., is a tall grass, often 4-5 feet high, glaucous 

 color, and, with its long, recurved, and waving spikes, ever attracts 

 attention. It is a variety of E. Canadensis, L., according to 

 Torrey ; but this seems rather doubtful. At any rate, this noble 

 plant ought to be the species. 



Panicum. L. 3. 2. Panic Grass. 

 Probably named from the Latin for bread, from the use of some 

 species. It is a pretty large genus. At least 16 species, agros- 

 toides, Muhl., anceps, Mx., capillare, L., clandestinum, L., crus- 

 galll, L., dichotomum, L., depauperatum, Muhl., discolor, Muhl., 

 geniculatum, Muhl., hispidum, Muhl., involutum, T., latifolium, 

 L., macrocarpon, Torrey, nervosum, Muhl., nitidum, Lmk., vir- 

 gatum, L., are found in this State. The species are found in 

 pastures and cultivated fields. They are of little consequence 

 for cattle. The culms are stiff and hard, often hairy, and cattle 

 do not appear to relish them after they have come to any size. 

 The Cock's-foot Grass, introduced from Europe, and common in 

 gardens, and about yards, seems to follow man in his dispersions 

 over this country. Two new species were found at Deerfield by 

 Dr. Cooley, and named by Dr. Torrey. P. miliaceum, L., 

 Millet, is sometimes found in gardens. 



Setaria. P. de Beauv. Bottle Grass. 

 Named from the Latin for bristle, as the involucre is composed 

 of bristles ; taken from Panicum. 



Four species of this grass, viridis, glauca, Italica, verticillata, 



