126 



DOMESTIC BOTANY. 



well known canary seed given to cage birds. In nature some 

 grasses act an important part in keeping back the inroads of 

 the sea, even gaining possession of large tracts of the shore, 

 as may be seen on many parts of the low coast of England 

 and Scotland, the chief being mat grass or Marum (^Ammophila 

 arenarid), Lyme grass (Elymus arenarius, and E. genicu- 

 latus). 



Eeeds {Phragmites communis). Native throughout Europe, 

 and growing abundantly in this country on the banks of the 

 Thames, in some parts forming extensive thickets. The 

 reeds are cut and used for many purposes, thatching, &c. 



This, or an allied species, may be considered to be the 

 " reed "* or " rush " mentioned in several parts of the Bible, 

 but not the paper reed, or the reed used at the crucifixion. 



Donax (Arundo donax). A broad-leaved reed, in habit 

 resembling the bamboo, but not exceeding 8 — 10 feet high. 

 It is a native of the south of Europe, and also grows in 

 Palestine. It is used for many domestic purposes, walking- 

 sticks and measuring rods are made of it, and it is probably 

 the reed on which the "sponge" filled "with vinegar" was 

 placed. (See Hyssop.) 



Couch grass {Triticum repens). This is a well known pest 

 to gardeners and farmers, soon overrunning gardens and 

 fields, and if not speedily checked it becomes very difficult to 

 eradicate. 



Cynodon dactylon. A creeping pointed grass having 

 flowers on fingered spikes. It is a native of this country, 

 but rare. In many countries it occupies large areas and 

 may truly be styled an invader. It covers the Sunderbunds, 

 near Calcutta, and although showing very little above the 

 surface, its roots are thickly matted together, and being 

 sweet are collected daily in large quantities and taken into 

 Calcutta for feeding horses. 



Darnel {Lolium temulentum). A strong-growing grass, 

 similar to "rye," often becoming a troublesome weed, espe- 



* Matthew, chap, xxvii. ver. 48. Mark, chap. xv. ver. 36. 



