192 POPULAR FIELD BOTANY. 
in short, the common grass which we tread under our feet, 
thereby rather improving than injuring it. It is excellent 
food for cattle, and plentiful according to the richness of soil. 
Briza MEDIA. Common Quaking Grass. Most young 
people are acquainted with this extremely pretty plant. The 
spikes of flowers are very elegant, and the thread-lke stalks 
to each spikelet are tremulous with the slightest wind ; 
whence its name. The leaves are short. This is a common 
species in meadows, but another called b. minor, from its 
smaller size, is only found in the extreme south of England, 
and Jersey and Guernsey ; it flowers later also. 
I will mention one more common grass, and then leave 
the reader to consult other authors on this intricate family 
of plants. 
LouiuM PERENNE. Perennial Darnel, or Rye-grass. All 
country children are familiar with this grass, it being that 
by which they pretend to tell the fortunes of their com- 
panions, as to whether they shall live in a “ great house” or 
“a barn,” &c. Its flowers stand in rows alternately on-each 
side; the stalk is about a foot high and stiff. It is a valuable 
plant to the farmer, on account of the leaves; but cattle 
reject the flower as being too wiry. 
