Q5G OF THE GLUME* 



4. Spatha. Sheath, a covering which bursts 

 longitudinally, and is more or less remote 

 from the flower. This is exemplified in 

 the Snow-drop, Galanthus nivalis, t. 167, 

 the various species of Narcissus, t. \1, 275 



j and 276, and the Arum, t. 1298. The 

 Spatha of the latter encloses a Spadix, or 

 elongated receptacle, common to many 



. flowers, according to the genuine Linnaean, 

 idea of this kind of calyx, taken from Palm- 



. trees, In these the Spadix is branched, 



5. Gluma. Husk, the peculiar calyx of 

 Grasses and Grass-like plants, of a chaffy 

 texture. These husks are usually com- 

 pressed, embracing each other at the base, 

 as in Phleum pratense, t. IO76. Some- 

 times they are depressed, flattened verti- 

 cally, as in Briza, t. 540 and 1316. To 

 the husk belongs the Arista, Beard or 

 Awn, a bristle-shaped appendage, usually 

 spiral, and possessing the property of an 

 hygrometer. This, how r ever, is not always 



has hitherto erroneously been supposed to have an amen- 

 tum for the fertile flower. The true nature of the cover- 

 ing of the seed, as well as of the common stalk, proves 

 it otherwise. 



