The carbohydrate metabolism of Stipa pulchra.

Abstract

Abstract does not appear. First page follows. The Problem Observation and experimental evidence strongly indicate that the present extensive stands of annual grasses and other annual herbs characteristic of the valleys and foothills of California, were, prior to the advent of domestic herbivora, frequently dominated or conspicuously occupied by perennial bunch grasses.(14) Relicts of perennial grasses, notably of species of such genera as Aristida, Poa, Festuca, and Stipa (and Agropyron in the north), are found commonly on ranges where annual grasses now constitute most of the season’s herbage. In a very few localities of this “winter annual” type are still to be found the highly palatable perennial grasses in such density as to furnish a large part of the forage. Economically the perennial grasses are to be preferred as the herbage yield is less subject to fluctuations than is that of the annual cover in seasons of departures from climatic norms, notably decreased rainfall. Also, because of their characteristically later maturity and correspondingly longer period of succulence, perennial grasses are superior for pasturage. Moreover, perennial grasses as a whole are more nutritious during the dry summer months than are the mature, less succulent, often less aromatic, and frequently more fibrous annual grasses.