1902-1903.] Grasses of the Lothians. 9 



The beautiful yellowish-green of the foliage in spring and early summer 

 is very effective on a rocky bank, where it is often found. 



28. Triticum — 28 species, 4 British. This is the most important genus 

 of the Graminefe. To it belong the various vars. of wheat. I believe it 

 is not known where it is a native of, but it is grown in every temperate 

 country in the world. The four British species of the genus are useless 

 weeds, especially couch grass or quickens. The great network of the 

 roots of T. junceum, however, and its vars., help to bind the sand along 

 our sea-shores. There are 11 species and vars. mounted. 



29. Lolium — darnel ; 10 species, 3 British. This is not a very orna- 

 mental grass, but a very important one, especially L. perenne and L. 

 Italicum. The first is the best hay plant we have, and also about the 

 best pasture one. L. Italicum is very similar, only coarser in growth 

 and quality, but is much gi-own where grass and hay are sold. L. temu- 

 lentum is supposed to be the tare of Scripture. It is a very curious 

 and interesting plant, with its long plumes, and large seeds which are 

 said to be poisonous. This grass is not common, although I found it in 

 several localities. It is most plentiful at Leith Docks. Once seen it 

 cannot be mistaken for any other grass. L. perenne is said to have been 

 the first grass cultivated as a fodder-grass. 



30. Elymus — lyme grass ; 24 species, 3 British, but only one, E. aren- 

 arius, is found in this district. It is a large, handsome grass, but only 

 useful as a sand-binder on our sea-shores. 



31. Hordeum — barley ; 12 species, 3 British, only one of which I have 

 been able to gather. This genus also contains a valuable grain plant, the 

 barle}' (H. vulgare), of which there are several vars. The other species 

 are useless. 



32. Secale — rye ; 2 species, neither of these being natives, but S. 

 cereale is grown as a grain, the flower of which makes very good bread. 

 In northern countries it is much used. 



33. Arundo phragmites, a grass which every one has seen at Dudding- 

 ston Loch, which is surrounded by it — a tall reed-like grass with dark- 

 brown panicles. At one time this was a very important grass, as most 

 houses were thatched with it. In some districts it is still used for this 

 purpose, but only in limited quantities now. A very handsome grass. 



34. Nardus stricta, a very common but useless and insignificant 

 moimtain grass. 



The few words I have said about these grasses does not 

 anything like represent what could be said. Many papers 

 might be written about them. Since sending in my speci- 

 mens for competition I have gathered myself or got from 

 Mr Fraser four or five grasses that I had not previously 

 gathered. Before closing I must add how greatly I am 

 indebted to Mr M' Andrew for much information about these 

 grasses as well as for many of the names. 



