286 The Flora of Wiltshire. 



compact panicle from 6 to 8 inclies or more in length. Leaves broad, 

 harsh and rigid. The general character of the inflorescence is 

 rather peculiar, the branches of the panicle being all directed to one 

 side, and the spikelets having a similar determination, render it not 

 unlike an exaggerated specimen of that of the Rough Cocksfoot- 

 grass — Bactijlis glomerata. 



Agrostis, (Linn.) Bent-grass. 

 Linn. CI. iii., Ord. ii. 

 Name. Given by the Greeks to grasses from agros, a field, be- 

 cause they are so abundant in open places. 



1. A. setacea, (Curt) Bristled-leaved Bent-grass. Engl. Bat. t. 

 1188. Parn. Gr. ;!. 83. 



Locality. On dry turfy heaths, and downs. P. Ft. July, August. 

 Area, 1, * * * * 



South Division. 



1. South-east District. " Alderbury," Jfr. Joseph Woods. Very 

 local in Wilts. Stems erect, ] to 2 feet high, with a narrow slender 

 panicle, always contracted, except during the moment the flowers 

 are expanded. Glumes narrow, and more pointed than in A. vulgaris, 

 the lowest always longer than the second, the flowering one with a 

 fine awn at its base. Palea very minute. Anthers oblong, purple 

 This grass should be looked for among heath and furze. 



2. A. canina, (Linn.) brown Bent-grass. Engl. Bot. t. 1856. 

 Barn. Gr. t. 15. 



Locality. Moist heaths and moory places. B. Fl. July, August. 

 Area, 1, * 3, 4, * 



So^dh Division. 

 1. South-east District. " About Alderbury," 3Ir. Joseph Woods. 



3. South-west District. In plenty on a large heath between 

 Warminster and Longleat. 



North Division. 



4. North-tvest District. In Spye Park. Not generally distributed 

 throughotit Wilts. Very variable in size. The fioiver-stems, decum- 

 bent below, rise to the height of 1 foot or 18 inches, terminating in 

 a rather lax, rough panicle, 4 or 5 inches in length, the single- 



