GRASSES OF BRITAIN. 



173 



in the glumes not being hairy, except on the keel of the large glume. 

 Large glume five-ribbed. Outer palea three-ribbed, not hairy. In- 

 ner palea not as long as the larger glume ; — whereas in Spartina 

 stricta both the glumes are distinctly hai;^. Large glume without 

 lateral ribs. Outer palea hairy, without lateral ribs. Inner palea 

 longer than the large glume. 



This grass, although found in great profusion on nuid banks of the 

 Itchen and Southampton rivers, has not been noticed in any other 

 part of Britain. It is a strong reed-like grass, and when recently 

 gathered is said to emit a powerful fetid odour resembling that of 

 phosphuretted hydrogen gas. Horses and pigs eat it greedily, and 

 the poorer class of people use it for thatching. It is likewise a native 

 of North America. 



Flowers in August and September, and ripens its seed in October. 



The accompanying figure was taken from specimens gathered near 

 Southampton. 



Explanation of Plate LXXV. Spartiiia alterniflora, natural size. 



Fig. 1. Spikelet showing the two glumes, and the outer and inner palea; of the 

 floret. 

 "2. Floret showing the two palea;. 



3. Ligule, natural size. 



4. Ovarium, pistils, and stamens. 



