274 GRASSES OF BRITAIN. 



Bromus commutatus (variety) multiflorUs. 



Larye Taper-Field Brome-Grass. 



Plate CXXV. 



This variety differs fi-om the preceding in being a larger plant ; 

 the spikelets longer ; the outer palea broader in proportion to its 

 length ; and the apex of the large glume being situated half-way be- 

 tween the base of the glume and a little beyond the summit of the 

 second floret on the same side. In other respects the two plants are 

 similar. 



It is distinguished from Bromus patulus, the only species it is likely 

 to be confounded with, in the outer palea having seven ribs and the 

 awn shorter than the palese ; — while in Bromus patulus the outer 

 palea has nine ribs, and the awn is longer than the palea. 



It is found occasionally in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh, but 

 by no means common. 



Flowers about the middle of June, and ripens its seed early in 

 July. 



It is a grass that can be recommended for hay, provided it be cut 

 during the period of its flowering, as the root produces many stems 

 which grow from three to four feet high. When in seed the stems 

 become hard, and possess then but little nutritive matter. 



The accompanying figure was drawn from a specimen gathered in 

 a grass field near Granton. 



Explanation of Plate CXXV. Broynus commutatus (variety) 

 multiflorus^ natural size. 



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

 2. Glumes. 

 S, Floret, showing the two palew. 



4. Outer palea opened, showing the seven ribs, 



5. Inner palea fringed, 



6. Ligule of upper sheath, 



7. Ovarium, pistils, stamens, and scales. 



