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As a correct knowledge of the different species of grass is important,
not only to the farmer but to many other classes of our citizens, I have
deemed it proper to give so much of the botanical character of each species
as is necessary to distinguish them one from another. In this part
of the work, I am especially indebted to the valuable Manual of the
Botany of the Northern States, by Dr. Asa Gray, who kindly allowed
me to make free use of the very accurate descriptions of that work.

Such is the minuteness and apparent obscurity of the several parts or
organs from which the distinctive characters are mainly drawn, that the
study of the Gramineae is one of the most difficult in the whole science
of botany, especially to those who are only beginning that fascinating
study. But with the aid of a common magnifying glass, and a careful
dissection of the flowers, taken at the right season of the year, any one
may be able to decide upon the name of the common species of grass,
with considerable certainty. This being done, reference can at once be
had to whatever has been written in regard to them, in works on agricultural
or botanical subjects.

The technical terms employed in describing the grasses, as well as
other objects in natural science, are mostly included in the later editions
of Webster's American Dictionary; so that the obstacles to the study of
nature, arising from the necessary use of these exact terms, are in a great
degree obviated.

The wild grasses growing in this State were found by the experience of
the early settlers well adapted to the support of cattle, and even to yield
the best of beef, butter and cheese. This is attributable, not to any one
plant, but to a number of plants, and among them several leguminous
and cyperaceous species, as well as true grasses.

This natural combination of grasses suggests the propriety of the
culture of a number of species in our artificial pastures and meadows.
It is well known that grasses vary very much in their value; some being
best suited for hay, others for pasture; some for their early growth in
the spring, others for their duration or continuing to yield a source of
animal food late in the season. A judicious combination of different
species, having reference to their qualities, and to the purposes of the
cultivator, is doubtless far better than to rely entirely upon one or two
species.