270 GRASSES OF BRITAIN. 



Bromus secalinus (variety) velutinus. 



Downy Rye Br ome- Grass. 



Plate CXXIII. 



This variety is distinguished from the two preceding ui the glumes 

 and florets being covered with soft downy-like hairs, and the outer 

 palea not so broad and less obtuse. 



In its early stage of growth it bears all the appearance of a 

 hairy variety of Bromus commutatus, from which it is with diflSculty 

 distinguished, but, as the seeds advance to maturity, the spikelets 

 spread, and the margins of the florets become inflexed, assuming all 

 the character of a secalinus, which so well marks the species. 



It is readily distinguished in all its stages of growth from Bromus 

 mollis in the apex of the large glume being situated midway between 

 the base of the glume and near the summit of the second floret on the 

 same side ; — while in Bromus mollis the apex of the large glume is 

 midway between the base of the glume and the summit of the third 

 floret or beyond on the same side. 



As some of the species of this genus have been enveloped in such 

 a mass of confusion, it is diflBcult to determine their correct synonyms, 

 Koch states this plant to be the Bromus velutinus of Smith, but, 

 judging from Smith's description, they certainly bear very diflferent 

 characters. In the one the spikelets spread conspicuously, and the 

 awns are much shorter than their florets ; — while in the other the 

 spikelets are close and the awns are equal in length to their florets. 



This grass grows in the same situations as the preceding, but in 

 no fixed station, and flowers about the same period. 



The accompanying figure was drawn from a specimen gathered in 

 Lanarkshire. 



Explanation of Plate CXXIII. Bromus secalinus (variety) velu' 

 tinus, natural size. 



Fig. 1. Spikeletj showing the two ghimes and nine florets. 



2. Glumes hairy. 



3. Ploret, showing the two palea. 



4. Outer palea, showing the seven ribs. r a 

 6. Inner palea fringed. ^ 



6. Ligule. ^ 



7. Ovarium, pistils, stamens, and scales. 



