50 CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO [CH. 
With regard to Agrostis, there is no colour in the sheath, the 
ligule is longer and pointed, and the leaves drier and thinner than in 
Lolium, and harsher on both surfaces. Agrostis has also no ears. 
Alopecurus pratensis has much broader and flatter ridges than 
Lolium and a longer ligule, and its sheaths are dark-brown or 
black—not red ; but A. agrestis has very similar ridges to Lolium 
and may easily be confounded at first. 
Agropyrum is sometimes nearly glabrous, and may then be 
confused with Loliwm by beginners: its low ridges, curled and 
pointed ears, obsolete ligule, and thinner, drier, harsher blade, as 
well as the stolons, distinguish it. 
Lolium temulentum and Hordeum murinum occasionally cause 
difficulty, but the latter is always more or less hairy, its blades 
thinner and drier, and the ridges less raised. 
tt Sections rounded—elliptical or nearly circular. 
Sheath distinctly split, at least above. 
Cynosurus cristatus, L. (Crested Dog’s-tail). Useful 
as pasture on dry soils, but only moderately so as hay. 
Blade narrow, slightly eared or collared below, tapered 
above; firmer than Loliwm. Sheath only spht a short. 
way down. Yellow or yellowish-white at the base. Leaves. 
conduplicate or convolute, short and narrow, the lgule 
short: minute ears at base. Usually easily recognised 
by the withered culms and persistent pectinate spikes 
(Fig. 16). 
Festuca elatior, L. (Meadow Fescue). <A _ valuable 
meadow and pasture grass, though somewhat coarse. 
Several varieties are known. Best on heavy soils. Deep 
rooted. Blade flat and broad, conduplicate, sharp-eared 
at the base, and there rough at the margin: lower surface 
polished. Rich green. Mid-rib flat above, numerous ribs 
with white lines between if held up and examined with a 
lens. Ligule obsolete (Figs. 12 and 17). 
