128 GRASSES OF SCOTLAND. 



nana. (Plate LV.) This is only a stunted variety, 



in which the stem is sheathed nearly to the summit, found grow- 

 ing in dry exposed situations. It seems to be the Festuca Myurus of 

 Smith, Hooker, Lindley, and others, but not the Festuca Myurus of 

 continental authors, which is a very different plant, being considera- 

 bly more luxuriant in the panicle, the stem sheathed to the very base 

 of the panicle ; the large glume of the calyx but half the length of 

 the lowermost floret ; the outer palea rough on the upper part, with 

 the dorsal rib and margins ciliated. (See Plate LV.) The figure is 

 taken from Leers, Flora Herhornensis, (Plate IIL Fig. 5 ;) and here 

 inserted as a comparison, should the plant be found to occur in Scot- 

 land. 



Obs. — There are few grasses that vary so much in their growth as 

 Festuca bromoides. In dry situations, such as on tops of walls, it is 

 found from two to six inches in height, of an upright rigid appear- 

 ance, becoming soon dry and withered, while those in corn-fields and 

 shady places grow to the height of two feet or more, of a tall grace- 

 ful slender figure, of a pleasant green, with the panicle more or less 

 luxuriant, taking a gentle bend to one side. 



It is a frequent grass in Scotland, England, and Ireland, also a na- 

 tive of France, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, and Italy. 

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

 the sea. Of no material agricultural use. 



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

 middle of July. 



85. Festuca ovina. * 

 Sheeps Fescue- Grass. 



Specific Characters. — Awn not half the length of the palea. Stem 

 under the panicle, rough. Upper leaf rough on the outer surface. 

 (Plate LVL) 



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

 is Tperenmal, Jibroiis. Stem erect, more or less anc/ular and rouyhish 

 under the panicle ; bearing three or four leaves, with roughish sheaths, 



* Festuca ovina, Linn. Koch, Hooker, Smith, Lindley, Greville. 



