100 GRAMINEA’X—GRASS TRIBE 
informs us that its name sanguinalis was suggested by a use to which the 
boys of Germany put it. Ever intent on mischief, they have discovered 
that a skilful application of its sharp spikes to the nose of another boy soon 
draws blood. This grass flowers in July and August ; its spikes are purplish- 
green, but less deeply coloured than those of the next species. Also known 
as Panicum sanguinale. 
2. Smooth Finger-grass (D. humifisa).—Spikes about three or four ; 
spikelets in pairs, one on a longer stalk than the other, and more distinctly 
egg-shaped than in the last ; lower glume very minute or wanting ; upper 
glume downy; annual. This, too, is an introduced plant, found rarely on 
fields of a loose sandy soil. Its stem is more prostrate than that of the last 
species, and the spikes are of a deeper purple. Its leaves and sheaths are 
smooth. Both species are unlike any other grass found in this country. 
Also known as Panicum glabrum. 
