GRASSES OF BRITAIN. 175 



cated at the summit. Glumes not united at the base ; — whereas in 

 Alopecurus pratensis the Jioret is equal in length to the glumes and 

 conical at the summit. Glumes united below. 



Alopecurus hulbosus is distinguished from Alopecurus geniculatus 

 in the glumes being more pointed. Palea when opened terminate in 

 two conical points in the centre, formed by a slight prolongation of the 

 two central ribs, (see Fig. 4) ; — whereas in Alopecurus geniculatus 

 the glumes are more obtuse at the summit. PaleUy when opened, 

 slightly notched in the centre, with no conical points. 



Alopecurus bulbosus is distinguished from Alopecurus fulvus in the 

 floret being obtuse, having an awn extending half its length beyond 

 the summit, (see Fig. 3) ; — while in Alopecurus fulvus the floret is 

 conical, with an awn not extending beyond the summit. 



This grass grows in wet salt marshes in the counties of Somerset, 

 Gloucester, Glamorgan, Sussex, Suffolk, and Norfolk. It has not 

 been found either in Scotland or Ireland. It also occurs in France, 

 Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Tm-key, Greece, and the Islands of 

 the Mediterranean. Of no agricultural use. 



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



The accompanying figure was taken from a specimen gathered in 

 Suffolk. 



Explanation of Plate LXXVI. Alopecurus bulbosus, natural size. 



Fig. 1. Spikelet showing the two glumes and floret. 



2. Glumes opened free to the base. 



3. Floret of one palea. 



4. Palea opened, sho^ring the conical points. 



5. Ligule of upper sheath. 



6. Rachis and spikelets. 



7. Ovarium, pistils, and stamens. 





