252 GRASSES OF BRITAIN. 



BucETUM LOLiACEUM (variety) elongatum. 

 Elongated Bucetum-Grass. 



This grass is distinguished from the preceding in the large glume 

 being shorter, concave, and five- ribbed ; and from Biicetum loliaceum, 

 figured in Plate XLV., in the spikelets being longer, and the whole 

 plant much taller. It is likewise distinguished from Poa Jiuitans 

 (variety) suhspicata, in the ligules being very short, and the outer 

 palea only five-ribbed ; instead of the ligules being long, and the outer 

 palea seven-ribbed. (See Plate XCV.) 



It bears some resemblance to Triticum pinnatum (variety) gracile^ 

 figured in Plate CXXXIII., from which it differs in the sheaths of 

 leaves not being hairy ; ligules very short and auricled; large glume 

 five-ribbed; ow^erj^a/ea five-ribbed and not|awned ; — while in Triticum 

 pinnatum (variety) gracile, the lower sheaths are distinctly hairy ; 

 ligules prominent, not auricled ; large glume seven-ribbed ; outer palea 

 seven-ribbed and awned from the summit. 



We find this grass equally common with the preceding, and grow- 

 ing in the same situations. It is a valuable grass for irrigated land, 

 especially where the soil is rich and deep, and generally forms a part 

 of our best meadow-pastures in England, Ireland, and Scotland. 



I have occasionally met with it in Germany, and have found it not 

 uncommon in Belgium, growing most luxuriantly on those lands the 

 most esteemed for grazing. 



It flowers towards the end of July and ripens its seed in September. 



Explanation of Plate CXIV. Bucetum loliaceum (variety) elonga- 

 tum. natural size. 



Fig. 1. Spikelet on the rachis, shomng the short footstalk, and outer glume, ^ 



which is about one-third the length of the sjaikelet. I . 



2. Glumes concave, upper one five-ribbed. ^ 



3. Outer palea opened, showing the five ribs. }- 'S 



4. Inner palea, showing the toothed margins. I kg 



5. Ligule very short, auricled. I 



6. Ovarium, pistils, and stamens. J 



