THE GRASS FAMILY. 



J25 



of India. It yields an essential oil whicli is used in perfumery, 

 pomatum, &c. 



Cuscus, Koosa, or Khus {Andropogon muricatvs). A grass 

 of great utility in India, its fine fibrous roots being woven 

 into a thin fabric, used to keep the flies, mosquitoes, as well 

 as hot dry winds, and dust out of verandahs ; being moistened 

 cccasionally, they emit a pleasant perfume. It is also used 

 for perfuming Egyptian baths. A. calamus-aroniaticus^ from 

 whicli an aromatic oil is obtained, is allied to the preceding. 

 This plant is supposed to be the " sweet calamus " of 

 Scripture.* A. gryllus. A strong grass, with stiiF, wiry roots, 

 native of tlie South of Europe. Large quantities of the roots 

 are imported as chiendent,'^ and are used by brushmakers 

 in the manufacture of toilet and other brushes. 



Tussack grass {Dactylis ccespitosa). A strong tufted 

 species, a native of the Falkland Islands, where it grows in 

 great abundance. It has long, broad leaves, and these toge- 

 ther mth the fibrous roots are sweet. Cattle are extremely 

 fond of it, but from their eating out the centre to the very 

 root, it will probably soon become extinct. About 25 years 

 ago attempts were made to introduce its cultivation into this 

 country, but the climate was found too dry for it. It has, 

 however, succeeded on 'the west coast of Scotland, espe- 

 cially in the Island of Lewis. 



Hay. In this country hay fields contain several kinds of 

 grass, such as Eye grass {Lolium perenne and L. italicum), 

 Cat's-tail grass (Phleum, pratense, Poa pratense, Cynosurus 

 cristatus), and the sweet-scented vernal grass (Anthoxanthum 

 odoratum), which gives the fine sweet scent to the hay. 

 Several other grasses are also common to hay fields and 

 pastures. 



Canary seed {Phalaris canariensis). An annual, growing 

 to the height of 2 — 2 J feet, having its flowers in heads similar 

 to hops. It grows freely in this country, and produces the 



* Exodus, chap. xxx. ver. 23. 



