iS 



certainly half of the number of species indigenous to the Eastern 

 United States. I have observed and collected in Southern and 

 Central Alabama 132 species, belonging to 53 genera, including 

 those few derived from other parts of the world which have 

 gained a firm foothold in our flora, propagating their kind spon- 

 taneously. Of course these grasses differ much in value : many 

 are entirely worthless, others of more or less value, if compared 

 with those of the highest merits on account of their richness in 

 life- sustaining and blood or fat-producing qualities. Scientifically, 

 it has never been demonstrated which, in that regard, are to, be 

 placed at the head of the list, as no analyses of any of them have 

 been made. It is indeed a most meritorious work in which, at 

 present, the Department of Agriculture, in Washington, is en- 

 gaged in instituting a line of analytical researches at its 

 laboratories to supply this greatly desired information. Samples 

 of the grasses from this section, deemed the most important on 

 account of their frequency, distribution, and habit, have been, by 

 request, forwarded to the Department to be analyzed. In the 

 following lines the grasses considered as more or less valuable 

 are mentioned to attract the attention of those interested, which, 

 by a mere mention of names in the catalogue, can not be achieved 



Hydrochloa Carolinensis, Bauv. A soft, tender, short grass, 

 creeping on the muddy banks of the creeks in the pine woods, 

 floating in patches in their more gently flowing waters. It is per- 

 ennial, and vegetates all winter, when it is particularly sought 

 for by cattle. 



Alopecurus pratensis, L. and A., geniculatus •, L., the meadow 

 foxtails of Europe where they are .esteemed as valuable meadow 

 grasses, are sparsely naturalized with us. 



Agrostis alba, B. Fiorine or white bent grass, naturalized from 

 Europe, is frequent in low fields and cultivated grounds. It is 

 perennial and the densely tufted stems surrounded by the 

 long, narrow tender leaves, bear spreading panicles of pale 

 flowers. It will stand our summers well and prove for this 

 section what the red top is for the North. 



MueJilenbergia Mexicana, Tr., and M. diffusa, are perennial, 

 more or less decumbent grasses, with slender stems and short, 

 narrow, soft leaves, growing in damp woods and thickets, and are 

 much liked by cattle and horses. 



Gynodon Dactylon., Per. Bermuda grass, perhaps introduced, 

 widespread over the maritime regions, thriving in the arid barren 

 driftsands on the seashore, covering them by its long creeping 

 stems, whose deeply penetrating roots impart firmness to a soil 



