Grasses : $b A handbook for use in the field and laboratory

"Grasses: A Handbook for Use in the Field and Laboratory" by H. Marshall Ward is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The book serves as a practical guide for students and botanists, focusing on the identification and classification of common native grasses, along with their distinctive characteristics and variations in nature. The opening of this handbook introduces its purpose and the significance of grasses in various ecosystems, pointing out their widespread distribution and essential roles in agriculture and ecology. Ward emphasizes the necessity of closely observing grasses both in the field and laboratory settings to enhance identification skills, highlighting the relevance of vegetative organs in distinguishing different species. He outlines the intended audience of the work and acknowledges the contributions of peer professionals, setting the stage for a detailed exploration of the anatomy and classification of grasses in the subsequent chapters.