GRASSES OF SCOTLAND. 125 



those of Trisetum pratense, of an oval form, scarcely protruding be- 

 yond the calyx, usually of three a^Mied florets. Cahjx of two une- 

 qual membranous acute glumes (Fig. 1), the upper one the largest; 

 three-ribbed ; the lower one without lateral ribs, and about one-third 

 shorter. Florets of two paleae (Fig. 2) ; the outer palea of lower- 

 most floret membranous on the upper half; five-ribbed, roughish on 

 the keel, tinged with reddish purple ; hairy at the base, and fre- 

 quently jagged at the summit. Inner -palea very thin, flat, much 

 shorter than the outer palea, and very minutely fringed at the mar- 

 gins. Awn longer than the large glume of the calyx ; arising from 

 a little above the centre of the outer palea ; rough, of a purplish 

 tinge, twisted at the base, and when dry becomes bent. 



Obs. — Trisetum pubescens is distinguished from Trisetum pratense 

 in the spikelets being smaller ; large glume of the calyx broader ; ra- 

 dical leaves soft and hairy ; — whereas in T. pratense the spikelets are 

 larger ; large glume of the calyx lanceolate ; radical leaves harsh, 

 rough on the inner surface, but without hairs. (See Plate LII.) 



From Trisetum Jlavescens, in the spikelets being twice the size and 

 fewer ; ligule long and acute ; — whereas in T. Jlavescens the ligule is 

 very short and obtuse. (Plate LIV.) 



It is stated by Mr Sinclair, that the downy hairs which cover the 

 surface of the leaves of tliis grass when growing on poor, dry, or 

 chalky soils, almost disappear when cultivated on richer soils. It 

 has properties which recommend it to the notice of agriculturists, be- 

 ing hardy, and a small impoverisher to the soil ; the reproductive 

 power is also considerable, though the foliage does not attain to a 

 great length. Horses, cows, and sheep, eat this grass when mixed 

 with others. It is frequent in Scotland, England, and Ireland ; 

 also a native of Norway, Sweden, Germany, France, Italy, and 

 Russia. Not found in America. Its limit of altitude is 1000 feet 

 above the sea. 



Flowers in the second week of June, and ripens its seed in the mid- 

 dle of July. 



