13 



mountain region, which are accustomed to dry soil, and may be found 

 serviceable for cultivation, particularly such as D. confinis and D. syl- 

 vatica. 



7. Ammophila longifolia, a tall, coarse-stemmed grass occurring in 

 very sandy districts, or on sandy river-banks, is in some localities a 

 useful grass as a resort for cattle late in the autumn, and in winter it is 

 said to save many range cattle from starvation. Its long, creeping 

 root-stocks penetrate deeply into the soil and give it good staying qual- 

 ities, for which reason it may be valuable in some localities. 



8. Oryzospis cuspidata. — This is one of the so-called bunch-grasses, 

 which occurs near the mountains, in sandy soil, and has been called 

 Indian millet. It will grow in very dry, sandy soil, furnishes a con- 

 siderable foliage, and large, spreading panicles of very nutritious seeds. 

 It is said that cattle keep fat upon the grass in the mountain dis- 

 tricts. 



9. Panicum virgaium, sometimes called switch grass and sometimes 

 wild red-top. It occurs mostly in low or moist ground, usually near 

 streams, and varies in height from 2 to 4 feet, with long leaves and a 

 wide, spreading panicle. Professor Crozier says it yields two to four 

 tons per acre, and should be cut early to be of good quality. Its value 

 has been recognized in some parts of Colorado, and around Greeley 

 it has been considerably cultivated, with satisfactory result. It should 

 receive a fair trial in the experiments. 



10. Another perennial species, Panicum obtusum, occurs in some parts 

 of Colorado and New Mexico which ought to receive attention. In 

 New Mexico and Texas it is called vine mesquit and running mesquit, 

 from its habit of throwing out long runners, sometimes 6 to lOfeetlong, 

 which at intervals form thickened, woolly joints, which sometimes take 

 root. I found patches of it growing in southern Colorado, making an 

 even, grassy surface, and appearing as if it would cut two tons per acre. 

 I also saw it occurring in considerable quantity in hay brought into the 

 Fucblo market. It deserves attention with reference to its agricult- 

 ural value. 



11. Chrysopogon nutans is related to the Andropogons, particularly to 

 the tall A. provincialis. It often grows Gfeet high, and has a drooping 

 panicle somewhat resembling oats, and hence, has been called wild oats. 

 It is of frequent occurrence on the prairies and is a nutritious grass, but 

 should be cut early, as at full maturity the stems are coarse and are 

 rejected by cattle. 



12. Agropyrum glaucum. — This is known by different names, as Colo- 

 rado blue-stem, blue-grass, wheat-grass, wild quack-grass, and gumbo- 

 grass. It is closely related to the quack- grass or couch-grass, so com- 

 mon and so much dreaded by some in the older-settled parts of the 

 country. It has a stiff stem and leaves, which are usually of a bluish- 

 green color. On hard, dry soil its growth is low and sparse, only here 



