266 GRASSES OF BRITAIN. 



Bromus SECALINUS. 



Smooth Rye Brome-Grass. 



Plate CXXI. 



The description of this plant will be found in page 113. 



The characters by which it is distinguished from its congeners, 

 are, in the apex of the large glume being situated half-way be- 

 tween the base of the glume and the summit of the second floret 

 on the same side (see Fig. I) ; and in the outer palea being rounded 

 on the upper margin with the breadth considerably greater than half 

 its length (see Fig. 4.) 



Bromus secalinus is distinguished from Bromus commutatus (Plate 

 CXXIV.) in the spikelets being shorter and not so acute; outer 

 palea rounded on the upper margin, with the breadth considerably 

 greater than half its length (Fig. 4.) ; — while in Bromus commutatus 

 the spikelets are lanceolate; outer palea forming an obtuse angle on 

 the upper half, with the breadth equal only to half its length. 



Bromus secalinus is distinguished from Bromus arvensis (Plate 

 CXXVI.) in the outer palea being considerably broader, with the 

 upper margin more obtuse (see Fig. 4) ; inner palea shorter than the 

 outer ; and all the florets much longer than their awns ; — while in 

 Bromus arvensis the outer palea is twice as long as broad, with the 

 upper margin forming an obtuse angle (Fig. 4.); inner palea equal 

 in length to the outer ; and all the florets, except the lowermost, 

 shorter than their awns. The anthers also are much longer. 



Bromus secalinus is distinguished from Bromus patulus and Bro- 

 mus squarrosus in the outer palea having seven ribs instead of nine, 

 with the superior margin rounded instead of forming an obtuse an- 

 gle. There are many other characters which could be enumerated, 

 but these will be found sufficient at all times to distinguish the species. 



Explanation of Plate CXXI. 



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



2. Glumes. 



3. Floret, showing the two palcfe. 



4. Outer palea, showing the seven ribs. 



5. Inner palea fringed. 



6. Ligule. 



7. Ovarium, pistils, stamens, and scales, 



4 





