GRASSES OF BRITAIN. 191 



small, not more than one-fourth the length of the outer ; leaves 

 from the root setaceous ; — whereas in Agrostis alha the Jioret has no 

 awn, except occasionally a very short one from a little below the sum- 

 mit ; inner palea more than half the length of the outer ; leaves 

 from the root flat, not setaceous. 



Aqrostis setacea is distinguished from Agrostis canina in the stem 

 and sheaths being rough ; inner palea about one-fourth the length 

 of the outer ; — whereas in Agrostis canina the stem and sheaths are 

 smooth, and the inner palea is altogether wanting. 



This gi'ass grows on dry tiu^' heaths, and is confined almost en- 

 tirely to the south-west parts of England. I have fi-equeutly seen it 

 in manv parts of Devonshire, forming the principal natural herbage 

 on sandy heaths. Sheep are fond of this grass, and thrive well on 

 it : but horses and cows give a preference to those more succulent. 

 It is also a native of France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, 

 Portugal, Turkey, and Greece. 



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



The accompau}"ing figure was taken from specimens gathered in 

 Devonshire. 



Explanation of Plate LXXXIII. Agrostis setacea, natiu-al size. 



Fij. 1 . Spikelet, sho^ng the two glumes and floret. 



2. Floret, showing the two palea and dorsal a^vn. 



3. Ligule of upper sheath. 



4. Ovarium, pistils, and stamens. 



