135 
the filaments: hence the germen seems to be attenuated below. 
Stem with a stout central pith, with membranous tubes of 
looser texture interposed between it and the external part. 
Some of the bristles in the flower seem to be attached to the 
receptacle higher up than the base of the filaments, but still 
three of these bristles are at the exterior base of those fila- 
' ments. 
23. Eriophorum polystachion.—In this, the stalks of the 
spikes are smooth, and evidently compressed. Except in th 
broader leaves, it hardly differs from E. angustifolium. 
It is very doubtful whether any real difference exists 
between Æ. polystachion, angustifolium, and gracile. I saw them 
all growing together in Wales, and sought carefully, but 
in vain, for characters. Assuredly none exists in the fructifi- 
cation, for they agree most exactly in every respect but the 
length of the seed-down. It is true that in E. polystachion the 
root does not seem to creep as in the two others, but this is 
with difficulty determined, since the plant grows to a great 
depth in the bogs, and no ordinary methods will extract 
the root in a perfect state: it is not improbable that E. poly- 
stachion, if planted in a different soil, would throw out creep- 
ing shoots like the others, 
24. Eriophorum pubescens.—Anglesea, June 4, 1898.— 
Often taller than E. polystachion, and the leaves always much 
broader in proportion, so as to be nearly lanceolate, with a 
very short triangular point. Stalk of the spikes furrowed, 
rough, but not downy, with the setule pointing forwards, : 
Glumes very acute, with a strong mid-rib, reaching nearly 
to the summit, entire, and scarcely membranous in the © 
margin. . As 
25. Alopecurus agrestis.—June, 1827, near Liverpool, (not 
common.)—Stems often branched. The styles become at 
length distinct: they do not appear very short. : 
26. Knappia agrostidea.—Anglesea, May 7, 1828.—Stems 
not very evidently angular, thickened just below the spike, 
covered with pellucid dots; leaves with a similar kind of 
pubescence on both sides. Stipules generally 4-toothed. 
