GRASSES OF SCOTLAND. 147 



of three florets : joints three, confined to the lower third of the stem . 

 — whereas in P. compressa the outer palea is but three-ribbed ; spike- 

 lets of five to seven florets ; joints usually five in number, the upper 

 one situated about the centre of the stem, (Plate XXXVIL) 



From Poa pratensis, in the florets being but slightly webbed ; stem 

 very much compressed and slightly roughish to the touch ; upper leaf 

 a very little shorter than its sheath ; spikelets of three florets ; — whereas 

 in P. pratensis the florets are copiously webbed, suspending the cah-x 

 by their silky hairs ; stem smooth and round, (except in variety ^/a/j 2- 

 culmis, in which the stem is slightly compressed) ; upper leaf much 

 • shorter than its sheath ; spikelets usually of five florets. (Plate XXXI.) 



Poa Balfouri is found on Ben Yoirlich, Perthshire ; also on the 

 Clova mountains, Forfar, growing on micaceous soil, at an elevation 

 of between 2000 to 2500 feet above the sea. Sheep seldom eat this 

 grass, as they give a preference to the Festuca ovina, which grows 

 in abundance in the same situations. 



Flowers in the first week of July, and ripens its seed in August. 



