480 
crop, and an exhausting crop is relatively valuable. Its growth is large; 
and it is probable that when left in the field for fodder the stalks and leaves 
lose their value. If cut when in blossom, its fodder is valuable, but its 
seed valueless, and it is then no better than the common grasses. The 
grain of millet is useless for flour for bread, where maize, rye, wheat 
and barley can be obtained. Its flour, if it has any is rather coarse, and 
brownish-yellow, or the color of the seed. Millet seed, however, is rich 
in nutritivo, elements, and I believe exceeds all others. It is productive; 
an acre, when properly tilled, yields seventy bushels. In addition to 
this the stalk, though not as valuable as timothy, still is equal to oat 
straw for fodder, and probably superior to it. It requires a rich soil, or 
at least produces in proportion to its richness.” 
Plate XI.—Fig. 1, a panicle of the natural size. 
a, a spikelet. 
by lower glume. 
c, upper glume. 
d, lower glume of neutral flower. 
e, upper glume of the same. 
f, coriaceous palea. 
g, the grain. 
136. Panicum Crus-galli. Linnaeus. 
Syn.—E chinochloa crus-galli, Beauv. Oplismenus crus-galli, Kunth. 
P. hispidum, Muhl. P. Walteri, Ph. (not of Muhl. and Ell.) Barn¬ 
yard grass. 
Spikelets imbricated-spiked, on the branches of a raceme or panicle, 
rough with appressed or stiff hairs ; lower palea of the sterile flower awl- 
pointed or awned ; spikes alternate and in pairs ; rachis bristly ; sheaths 
smooth; ligules none. Annual; flowers in August and September. 
Oulms 2 to 4 feet high. Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan. 
A native also of Europe and North Africa. 
The barn-yard grass is found growing in a wild state in moist, rich 
grounds about the prairies and openings. In these localities the heads 
of flowers have a very dark purple color, but in other respects the plant 
agrees with the introduced variety found abundantly about cultivated 
grounds, &c. Its coarse, rank nature renders it unfit for use as an ag¬ 
ricultural product. 
