GRASSES OF SCOTLAND. 29 



mu)7i in the ghimes of the middle spikelet being dilated and fringed 

 (Fig. 1). and the iniier glume of the lateral spikelets but verj- slightly 

 dilated (Fig. 2) ; — whereas in H. maritimum the glumes of the mid- 

 dle spikelet are bristle-shaped, and not fringed (Fig. 1), and the 

 inner glume of the lateral spikelet is \er\ conspicuously dilated on one 

 side, in the form of half-ovate, (Fig. 2.) 



From Hordeum pratense. in the glumes of the middle spikelet being 

 dilated and fringed, and \heJioret of the lateral spikelet with a long 

 awn, (Fig. 4) ; — whereas in H. pratense the glumes of all the spike- 

 lets are bristle-shaped and not fringed, and the Jloret of the lateral 

 spikelets has a Ter}- short awn, (Fig. 4.) 



The nutritive properties of this grass are said to be verj- inferior, 

 and. as it is seldom or never eaten by any description of cattle, be- 

 comes of no agricultural use. It is very seldom found in pastures, 

 but confined to road-sides, on dry light soil, and under walls and other 

 barren places. Its limit of altitude seems to be about 500 feet above 

 the sea. 



It is a very common grass throughout Britain, there being scarcely 

 a coimty in which it is not found. In Lapland, Norway, and Swe- 

 den, it is not known to exist In Germany and south of Europe, it 

 is common, but has not been discovered in America- 

 Flowers about the end of June, or the fii'st week in July, and 

 ripens its seed in the early part of August. 



17. Hordeum MARITIMUM. * 

 Sea-Barley. 



Specific Characters. — Inner glume of lateral spikelet dilated on 

 one side only into half-ovate. (Plate X.) 



Description, — It grows from three to nine inches high. The root 

 is annual, fibrous. Stem erect, prostrate at the base, round, smooth, 

 and polished, bearing four or five leaves, with smooth striated sheaths ; 

 upper leaf rather inflated, longer than its leaf, crowned with a short 

 obtuse membranous ligule. Joints smooth. Leaves short, acute, 

 narrow, roughish, and somewhat hairy on both surfaces. Injiores- 



• Hordeum maritimum, Koch, Smith, Hooker, Lindley. 



