268 GRASSES OF BRITAIN. 



Bromus secalinus (variety) vulgaris. 



Pendulous Rye Br ome- Grass. 



Plate CXXII. 



This grass often grows to the height of three feet or more. The 

 panicle at first is erect, bearing close compact spikelets with the mar- 

 gins of the florets overlapping. As the seeds approach to maturity 

 the panicle droops to a side, the spikelets become compressed and 

 spreading, with the margins of the florets rolled in, thereby showing 

 the rachis and the insertions of the florets. The spikelets are not 

 hairy, the glumes toothed on the upper half of their keels. Outer palea 

 seven-ribbed, the three central ones the most indistinct. Awn much 

 shorter than the palea, never exceeding half its length. The apex 

 of the large glume is half-way between the base of the glume and 

 the summit of the second floret on the same side. The sheaths and 

 leaves are covered with soft downy-like hairs. 



This variety differs from the preceding, in the spikelets being lar- 

 ger, and when in seed heavier and consequently more-pendulous ; the 

 outer palea less obtuse ; and the awns much shorter. 



It is a frequent plant in France and Germany, and is occasionally 

 met with in this country growing among corn. 



In the young state it might be mistaken for Bromus commutatus, 

 (Plate CXXIV.) from which it is distinguished by the awns being 

 shorter and the outer palea broader, twice the breadth considerably 

 more than equals its length; — while in Bromus commutatus twice the 

 breadth of the outer palea exactly equals its length. In the more 

 advanced stage the two plants become very distinct, as seen in the 

 figures. 



Flowers in the middle of June, and ripens its seed in the first week 

 of July. 



A very inferior grass for agricultural purposes. 



The accompanying figure was drawn from a specimen gathered 

 near Edinburgh. 



Explanation of Plate CXXII. Bromiis secalinus (variety) vul- 

 garis^ natural size. 



