GRASSES OF BRITAIN. 211 



scarcely smaller than the stem, (Fig. 1) ; upper sheath longer ; pa- 

 nicle larger and more lax ; ribs of the outer palea less perceptible. 

 Glumes more acute : spikehts fewer, flowered ; — whereas in Poa 

 poJynoda the ligule is prominent, rounded at the summit, and about 

 twice as broad as long ; lower part of the rachis much smaller than 

 the stem ; uj^per sheath about as long as its leaf : panicle small and 

 contracted ; ribs of outer palea more distinct ; glumes broader, and 

 nearly of equal size ; spikelets four or five, flowered. 



Poa Parjiellii is distinguished from Poa Jiemoralis in the Jlorets 

 not being webbed ; upper sheath longer than its leaf; — whereas in 

 Poa nemoralis the Jlorets are distinctly webbed, and the upper sheath 

 is shorter than its leaf. 



Poa Parnellii is distinguished from Poa Balfouri in the Jlorets 

 not being webbed. Upper joint situated about the middle of the 

 stem. Ligule short and blunt, about six times as broad as long ; — 

 whereas in Poa Balfouri the Jlorets are distinctly webbed. Joints 

 situated far below the centre of the stem. Ligule prominent, blunt, 

 about as loner as broad. 



This grass was discovered by Mr Babington, about two years ago, 

 at High-force in Teesdale, growing in sheltered and rocky situations. 



It has since been found in other parts of England. Its agricultural 

 merits probably rank with Poa nemoralis. 



Flowers in July. 



Explanation of Plate XCIII. Poa Parnellii, natural size. 



Fig. 1. Part of the rachis and branches. 



•2. Spikelet, showing the two gliunes and three florets. 



3. Glumes. 



4. Floret, sho\\ing the two paleae. 



5. Outer palea opened, showing the five ribs. 



6. Ligule of upper sheath. 



7. Ovarium, pistils, stamens, and scales. 



