INTRODUCTION. 
This bulletin is the result of work undertaken early 
in 1889 by the Experiment Station, to study the grasses 
of the arid region, and more particularly of Colorado, in 
order to find, if possible, some varieties which would fur¬ 
nish more and better forage than those now cultivated. 
The chemical work was undertaken to show the compari- 
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son in composition of these species as grown in their 
native habitat, and afterward under cultivation; first, 
without irrigation, and second, under irrigation. The 
botanical work has been almost exclusively performed by 
our late Professor James Cassidy, and the chemical work 
by Dr. David O’Brine, Chemist, 
The results of the work, as herein published, are of 
a two-fold character; first, scientific, and second, practical. 
Because the Hatch law contemplates both lines of work, 
we must necessarily have the descriptions of the several 
species in technical language, while the observations in 
the field are of a very practical nature, and are intended 
for the direct benefit of the farmers and those interested 
in agriculture in this region. The bulletin deals with 
grasses almost exclusively; however, a few rushes 
