The Texas sheepherder probably means that because of the grass, they are still able to crop and have some food to eat. #17) "Holds the earth together" probably means that other than the grass earth is also something that helps save us all because without earth we can not have grass.
I believe the answer is: Society in general.
For example, murder is considered as a criminal behavior.
Even though when a person killing another person do not directly cause damage to the whole society, the killer's existence become a threat that diminish the quality of life in that society.
Answer:
The amount of space a solid, liquid, or gas takes up
Explanation: