262 GRASSES OF BRITAIN. 



Bromus RACEMOSUS. 



Smooth Brome-Grass. 



Plate CXIX. 



This grass Is distinguished by the splkelets not being hairy, the 

 middle ribs of the glumes minutely toothed on the upper half, (see 

 Kg. 2,) and the apex of the large glume situated half-way between 

 the base of the glume and the summit of the third floret on the same 

 side, (see Fig. 1.) 



It Is very easily distinguished from Bromus secalinus, Bromus com- 

 mutatus, Bromus arvensis, Bromus patulus, and Bromus squarrosus 

 by the comparative length of the large glume. 



Sir William Hooker, in his British Flora, is of opinion that this 

 species Is scarcely dlfl*erent from Bromus mollis^ except In being more 

 glabrous. I may here mention, however, that, Independent of ab- 

 sence of hairs on the splkelets, the outer palea Is broader, and, when 

 opened, its upper margins form an obtuse angle, (see Fig. 4), and the 

 middle ribs of the glumes and florets are minutely toothed on their 

 upper part ; — while In Bromus mollis the outer palea Is not quite so 

 broad and rather more rounded on Its upper margins, and the mid- 

 dle ribs of the glumes and florets have no teeth. 



For further description see page 111. 



Explanation of Plate CXIX. Bromus racemosus, natural size. 



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



2. Gluihes. 



3. Floret, showing the outer and inner palete. 



4. Outer palea opened, showing the seven ribs. 



5. Inner palea fringed. 



6. Ligule. 



7. Ovarium, pistils, stamens, and scales. 



^1 



Bronim racemosus, Linn., Hooker, Smith, Kunth, 'With. Serrafalcvs racemosus, Par- 

 latore, Babington. 



