Dry-Grass Fire Starter

It's an abundant material, but one that can be tricky to use as a fire starter. 

The first thing to remember is to keep the material very loose—don't bunch it up, or the fire initiated from your match or magnesium will burn out quickly. You lay magnesium shavings on a bark sliver or leaf. Then pile a bundle of loose dry grass, but with an open enough space so a throw from your ferro rod will reach the magnesium beneath. Add thin spruce twigs or spruce shavings to the top of the loose grass pile. Throw your spark and then add your kindling to the fire. 

Alternatively, light the magnesium, then just carefully dump the dry grass on top of the igniting magnesium.

Blow lightly as needed or if necessary.