124 TRIANDRIA. DIGYNIA. Agrostis. 



variega'ta. C. Panicle large, loose, strap-spear-shaped : leaves broad, 



flat; straw simple. 



H. ox. viii. 6. 41-Fl. dan.UQ-Park. 1273. 2-C. B. th. 37 

 and 92-Leers J. 3-Moxt. h§. 



Stem and leaves smooth, the latter \ an inch or more in 



breadth. Panicle 5 to H inches long, 1 to 2 in breadth, stiff 



- and strong ; varying in colour from almost white to pale green 



in the shade, and in the sun to rich shades of purple and yellow, 



uvith large dark red anthers. 



Phalaris arundinacea. Linn. — Banks of rivers and ponds, 

 / not uncommon. P.July.* 



Van 2. Leaves glaucous green. Ray. Syn. p. 400. n. 1. 

 Sea coast of Jersey, and near Lanperis. 



Var. 3. Leaves striped. 



This beautiful variety is often cultivated in our gardens un- 

 der the name of Ladies-traces, or painted Lady-grass. The 

 stripes are generally green and white, but sometimes with a pur- 

 plish cast. It is figured in Ger. em. 26. 2-i/. ox. viii. 6. 43~ 

 Ger. 24-J. B. ii. 476*. 2. It has not been found wild with us 

 in this striped state. 



C. colorata. Hort. Kew. 



. AGRO'STIS. Cal 2-valved. 1 -flowered, rather 



smaller than the blossom : Outer petal 

 f smooth : Summits set lengthwise with 



stiffish hairs. 



Obs. Such is the Ess. Char, given in the Sjst. veget. and in 

 the later editions of the Sp. plant. But as it does not apply very 

 happily to any of our species the following is offered. 



I AGROSTIS, Cal l -flowered, 2-valved, spear- 

 shaped, acute, generally rough on the keel; 

 longer than the blossom : Moss. 2 valves : 

 summits hairy. 



For similar reasons the following characters of the British 

 species have been formed upon an attentive examination of the 

 fructification only, and are disposed in this tabular form to faci- 

 litate the investigation of the species, which appeared necessary 



* It is used to thatch ricks and cottages, and lasts much longer than 

 straw. In the province of Scandia they mow it twice a year and cattle 

 eat it. Linn, but it is of a hard texture and they are not fond ol it. 



Schreb, The oftcner it is mown the more acceptable it is to cattle. 



