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Rice, Water

The water rice (Zizania aquatica) is abundant in Wisconsin and other parts of North America, on the swampy margins of streams in shallow water. A gently-flowing current, where the water is from two to six or eight feet deep, is the most favourable habitat for this plant, which forms an important article of food among the Indian tribes. They obtain it by paddling a canoe among the plants, when, with a hooked stick, they draw the stems over the canoe and beat off the grain. The harvest only lasts for a very few days, as, when, ripe, the grain is shaken off by the slightest touch, and if the wind should blow hard for a day or two the rice is all lost. It is gathered both "in the milk" and after it is mature. The Indians take it to their camp, and put it into pans, when it is roasted until the husks become dry and reddish; they then place it in sacks, and pound it by striking on the outside so as to separate the grain from the husk. It is winnowed, and is then ready for use. Those who have tried it prefer the Zizania to the ordinary rice of commerce.