260 GRASSES OF BRITAIN. 



Bromus mollis (variety) pratensis. 



Soft Long-glumed Brome- Grass. 



Plate CXVIII. 



This variety is distinguished from the two preceding in the spikelets 

 not being quite so hairy, the hairs somewhat shorter, and the apex of 

 the large glume being situated half-way between the base of the glume 

 and the summit of the fourth floret on the same side, (see Fig. 1) ; the 

 outer palea is also more acute, and longer in proportion to its 

 breadth, (see Fig. 4.) 



Care must be taken so as not to confound this grass with Bromus 

 racemosus^ figured in the next plate ; the hairy spikelets and toothless 

 glumes, however, will readily distinguish it. The plant figured in 

 the English Botany, p. 920, under the name of Bromus pratensis, is 

 undoubtedly the same as the one here noticed. 



It is distinguished from Bromus commutatus, Plate CXXIV., 

 in being slightly hairy, and in the apex of the large glume being si- 

 tuated half-way between the base of the glume and the summit of the 

 fourth floret on the same side; — while in Bromus commutatus the 

 spikelets are not hairy, and the apex of the large glume is situated 

 half-way between the base of the glume and the summit of the second 

 floret on the same side. 



It is frequently met with both in England and Scotland, growing 

 on poor ground, but is not so common as the two preceding. It is 

 not relished by cattle, and produces a scanty supply of herbage. 



Flowers early in June. 



Explanation of Plate CXVIII. Bromus mollis (variety) prate fisis, 

 natural size. 



Fig. 1. Spikelet, showing the two glumes and nine florets. 



2. Glumes hairy. 



3. Floret, showing the two palese. 



4. Outer palea opened, showing the seven ribs. y "p 



5. Inner palea fringed. ^ 



6. Ligule. 



7. Ovarium, pistils, stamens, and scales. 



