258 GRASSES OF BRITAIN. 



Bromus mollis (variety) ovalis. 



Soft Oval Br ome- Grass. 



Plate CXVII. 



This variety differs from the preceding, in the spikelets being 

 smaller, of an oval form, and the large glume rather longer in pro- 

 portion, the apex of which being situated half-way between the base 

 of the glume, and a little beyond the tldrd floret on the same side, (see 

 Fig. 1.) 



It has frequently been confounded with Bromus racemosus (variety) 

 suhsecalinus, Plate CXX., to which it bears a great resemblance ; but 

 the hairy spikelets and the absence of minute teeth on the upper part 

 of the middle rib of the glumes and florets will readily distinguish it. 



It is a grass frequently met with throughout Britain, growing on 

 dry, barren, sandy ground. In a dwarf state it might possibly be the 

 Bromus nanus of "Weigel, or Bromus mollis, var. /3, in Hooker's Bri- 

 tish riora. Of no important agricultural use. 



Flowers early in June. 



Explanation of Plate CXVII. Bromus mollis (variety) ovalis, na- 

 tural size. 



Fig. ] . Spikelet, showing the two ghimes and ten florets. 



2. Glumes. 



3. Second Floret, showing the pales, with an awn rather shorter than its 



palea. . ,, 



4. Outer palea opened, showing the seven ribs. ^ 



5. Inner palea, fringed. g 



6. I>igule. 



7. Ovarium, pistils, stamens, and scales. 



