16 GRASSES OF SCOTLAND. 



ing from the centre or a very little below it, and projects about one 

 third its length beyond the palea. (Plate IV.) 



From Alopecurus pratensis^ in the upper sheath being about the 

 length of its leaf; men projecting half its length beyond the palea; 

 palea when opened and made flat, (Fig. 4) obtuse, slightly notched 

 in the centre, with four rather indistinct green ribs, tinged with pur- 

 ple at the summit ; — whereas in A. pratensis the upper sheath is more 

 than twice the length of its leaf ; aivn projecting more than half its 

 length beyond the palea ; palea when opened and made flat, (Fig. 4). 

 of a conical form, with four, broad, distinct green ribs. Glumes of a 

 rather different shape, being more acute, (Fig. 1.) 



This grass is not recommended for agricultural purposes, on ac- 

 count of its being but little liked either by cows, horses, or sheep ; 

 and the small quantity of herbage it yields, even when cultivated un- 

 der the most favourable circumstances. It grows naturally in wet 

 places, principally on clayey soil round the margins of pools ; occa- 

 sionally it is found in dry situations, when it assumes a stunted ap- 

 pearance. It is a common grass throughout Britain, and is also met 

 with in Lapland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, France, and 

 Italy ; but rare in the United States. Its limit of altitude, 2000 feet 

 above the sea. 



Flowers in the first week in June, and ripens its seed about the 

 end of July. 



7. Alopecurus fulvus.* 

 Orange-spiked Fox-tail Grass. 



Specific Characters. — Awn not projecting beyond the palea, 

 (Plate V.) 



Description. — It grows from twelve to eighteen inches in length. 

 The root is perennial, fibrous. Stem ascending, bent at the joints, 

 procumbent at the base, smooth, bearing four or five leaves with 

 smooth, striated sheaths ; the upper sheath inflated, equal in length to 

 its leaf, crowned with an oblong, membranous ligule. Joints smooth. 

 Leaves flat, acute, rough on the inner surface, smooth behind. In- 



• Alopecurus fulvus, Koch, Smith, Hooker, Lindley. 



