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however its decumbent, wiry fruit-stalk separates it at a glance; to say nothing 
of any more technical characters. It is a very pretty and graceful little plant. 
18. Carex preecox, Jacg. Thirteen Districts. Doubtless the single one 
omitted simply from insufficient observation. This common and pretty little 
plant throws up its conspicuous yellow barren spikelets in moderately dry pastures 
early in April, contributing, with the early Zuzula and Vernal Grass, greatly to 
their ornament. When in fruit it is of a uniform dull green, and then is not nearly 
so noticeable. In shady situations it sometimes grows to a much larger size, and 
is apt to be thought another species. 
19. Carex pallescens, Z. Nine Districts. Really much more widely 
distributed than this, perhaps to be found in all the Districts. This Sedge stands 
by itself in the aspect of its pale neat spikelets, whether in flower or fruit. It is a 
widely distributed plant in Herefordshire, and is not at all particular in its place 
of growth, occurring both in woods, wet meadows, and upland pastures, in the last 
of which it is an associate and pretty contrast with Orchis morio and mascula, 
Lady’s Mantle, &e., early in June. It is a plant which is always welcome. 
20. Carex panicea, U. Ten Districts; really it is probable, all. This 
common Sedge has the habits of, and is often associated with, C. vu/garis; though 
demanding more actual marsh for its nourishment than that species. It is a mark 
of ground dangerous for sheep during wet seasons, and should be in reality viewed 
with more suspicion by the farmer than C. glauca ; along with which species how- 
ever its blueish foliage may be included in his term ‘‘ Carnation Grass.” 
21. Carex pendula, Huds. Six Districts. This is the giant of the 
family ; and a noble ornament it is to the rill sides in wooded banks, which are 
the localities it loves; holding its own among such vegetation as Epi/obium hirsu- 
tum and Angelica sylvestris, and adding a peculiar form to the general sylvan 
beauty. This Sedge is perhaps really scarce ; for when present it can hardly fail 
of being noticed, from its great size and long pendant tassels of bloom. It is (like 
vulpina) liable tu a disease (of insect origin ?) in which the fruit is swelled to twice 
its natural size ; but (unlike vulpina,) remains undistorted in form. 
22. Carex strigosa, Huds. Hight Districts. This plant, generally con- 
sidered a rarity, is decidedly not so in Herefordshire. It is as true a wood plant 
as sylvatica ; but affects damp wood bottoms and rill sides, while that species loves 
the drier parts. Once seen, neither foliage nor fructification is liable to be mis- 
taken ; and it is known from at least 13 separate stations in the county. 
23. Carex sylvatica, Huds. Thirteen Districts. This wood plant is 
far more common than strigosa; and may be termed truly abundant. It is also 
proportionately prettier, and forms a very graceful ornament to the dry glades of 
* woods in the early summer. 
24. Carex levigata, Sm. One District. This is quite a recent addition 
to our county botany. IT have been on the look-out for it for years; and came 
across it this year (1881) in a marshy thicket near Pont-y-spig, growing about 
three yards from the county boundary. It exhibits a large census number (48) for 
the whole of Great Britain; still it is decidedly a scarce plant in Herefordshire, 
