p. 13

11

Several species of Cyperaceae have been made to subserve the purposes of man. Before the discovery of the art of making paper it is known that the ancient Egyptians used a substitute called papyrus. This was formed by cutting the stems of Cyperus papyrus, of Linnaeous, into their slices which were united together under pressure.

The Cyperus legatum is used in India for mat-making as the bull rush (Scirpus lacustris) is with us.

The Eriophorum cannabinum, is used in the same country where it is called Rhabhur, for making rope bridges for crossing the torrents in the hills. Other species are used for making a coarse kind of rope.

The root of the Cyperus esculentus is much used under the name of eath-chestnut, in Spain and the south of France as a substitute for chocolate. The chestnuts are little tubers; about the size of peas, which are first roasted. They are also used as an article of food.

Leaves of some of the coarser species of Carex are used in England to tie hops to the poles; and in the wine producing countries they are put between the staves of wine corks to keep them tight.

11

Several species of Cyperaceae have been made to subserve the purposes of man. Before the discovery of the art of making paper it is known that the ancient Egyptians used a substitute called papyrus. This was formed by cutting the stems of Cyperus papyrus, of Linnaeous, into their slices which were united together under pressure.

The Cyperus legatum is used in India for mat-making as the bull rush (Scirpus lacustris) is with us.

The Eriophorum cannabinum, is used in the same country where it is called Rhabhur, for making rope bridges for crossing the torrents in the hills. Other species are used for making a coarse kind of rope.

The root of the Cyperus esculentus is much used under the name of eath-chestnut, in Spain and the south of France as a substitute for chocolate. The chestnuts are little tubers; about the size of peas, which are first roasted. They are also used as an article of food.

Leaves of some of the coarser species of Carex are used in England to tie hops to the poles; and in the wine producing countries they are put between the staves of wine corks to keep them tight.