GRASSES OF BRITAIN. 255 



Obs. — Bi omus maximus is distinguished from Bromus sterilis^ in 

 the rachis and footstalks being downy and soft to the touch ; lower- 

 most floret equal in length to the large glume ; — whereas in Bromus 

 sterilis the rachis and footstalks are hispid and very rough to the 

 touch, and the lowermost floret is about one-fourth longer than the 

 large glume. 



Bromus maximus is distinguished from Bromus diandrus in the 

 XowQwaost Jloret being equal in length to the large glume ; aiai of the 

 floret longer than the outer palea by one-half or more ; inner palea 

 about one-third shorter than the outer palea ; the rib on each side of 

 the central rib of the outer palea very distinct and prominent ; — whereas 

 in Bromus diandi'us the lowermost^w^? is longer than the large glume 

 by one-fourth ; awn of the floret equal in length to the outer palea ; 

 inner palea about equal in length to the outer palea ; the riS on each 

 side of the central rib of the outer palea very indistinct. 



The peculiar, sharp, conical point at the base of the florets will 

 readily distinguish Bromus ma-ximiis from all the other species of 

 British Bromi. 



It is fortunate that this is so rare a British grass, as neither horses, 

 cows, or sheep are fond of it or any other grass having soft downy 

 leaves ; besides which, the florets, when ripe, possess the property of 

 insinuating themselves under the wool of sheep and entering the flesh 

 to a considerable depth, thereby proving a great source of annoy- 

 ance to the animal. It has been found by ]\Ir Babington growing 

 on the sands of St Aubin's Bay, the Greve d'Azette, and the Quin- 

 vais, Jersey, but in no other part of Britain is it known to exist. It 

 is also a native of France, Spain, and Africa. 



Flowers in June and July. 



The accompanying figure was taken from a specimen sent me by 

 Mr Babington. 



Explanation of Plate CXV. Bromus maximus, natural size. 



Fig. 1 . Part of the rachis and branches. 



2. Glumes. 



3. Floret. 



4. Outer palea, showing the seven ribs. I §; 



5. Ligule. ;§ 



6. Ovarium, showing the styles arising from the summit. j 



