HORTUS (iHAMINEUS WOBUliiVENSIS. 31 



2. The same magnified. 

 Fis^. 33. Festuca ehitior, var. sterilis, tall fescue-oTass. 



The seed of this grass is always either diseased or 

 abortive : as shewn in the above specimens. The form 

 of the seed-vessel, or abortive seed, is scarcely to be 

 distinguished from that of the Festuca pratensis, (Fig. 

 17.) but may be distinguished with certainty by pass- 

 ing it between the fingers: it feels like a mere husk; 

 and the diseased seed may be perceived by the eye. 

 On comparing the above specimens with those of the 

 Festuca pratensis, (Fig. 17.) the seed-vessel appears 

 more elongated and compressed ; which evidently 

 arises from the absence of the body of the seed. The 

 seed of Festuca pratensis appears to be always free from 

 disease. 

 Refer. 1. An abortive seed, the natural size, furrowed side. 



2. The same, convex side. 



3. Seed affected with the clavus. 



Fig. 34. Bromus arvensis, field, or corn brome-grass. 



This seed is distinguished from that ofBromus mollis, 

 by being longer, more slender, and being sharp- 

 pointed. This is one of the best annual brome-grasses, 

 as will be shewn hereafter ; and it is therefore of im- 

 portance that its seed should be known from that of 

 the Bromus mollis, a very troublesome weed. 



Fig. 35. Lolium temuleiitum, annual bearded rye-grass. 



The seed of annual bearded rye-grass is distin- 

 guished at first from that of the perennial rye-grass 

 (No. 17.) by its long awn ; the body of the seed is 

 likewise more swoln, shorter, convex on the back, 

 and the furrow on the face of the seed broader. This 

 seed when mixed with other grain, and made into 

 bread, is said to be deleterious. 

 Professor Martyn supposes this grass to be the darnel of the 



Romans. 



" Interque nitenti^ culta 



Infelix lolium et steiiles doininantur avenae." 



ViiiG. Georg. i. 153. 



Mr. Holdich observes, that he has never found this grass among 

 corn crops ; and Mr. Taunton has favoured me with specimens of 

 the Bromus secalinus, as a very common and troublesome weed in 



