302 GRASSES OF BRITAIN. 



LoLiUM PERENNE (variety) multiflorum. 



Many-Jlowered Italian Rye-Grass. 



Plate CXL, 



This variety is said to be strictly an annual, in which respect it dif- 

 fers from the two preceding. 



It is principally distinguished in the spikelets bearing many florets, 

 from eighteen to twenty in number, with awns longer than their flo- 

 rets, especially the middle ones. It is a stout grass, growing from 

 four to five feet high, and is frequently met with in company with 

 the Italian rye-grass. In consequence of its short duration it is not 

 recommended for cultivation. It is a native of Germany and the 

 south of France. 



Flowers early in July. 



The accompanying figure was drawn from a specimen gathered in 

 the neighbourhood of Edinburgh. 



Explanation of Plate CXL. Lolium perenne (variety) multiflorum^ 

 natural size. 



Fig. 1. Spikelet on a part of the rachis, showing the glume and nineteen florets. ^ -n 



2. Outer palea opened, showing the five ribs. f S 



3. Ligule. i I 



4. Ovarium, pistils, stamens, and scales. ' )^ 



Loi.iuM PERENNE (variety) ramosum. 



Branched Italian Rye- Grass. 



Plate ex LI. 



In almost every field of Italian rye-yrass specimens of this branch- 

 ed variety are frequently met with. It grows occasionally to the 

 height of five feet, and, were it but constant in its form, it would 

 yield a larger crop of seed. 



The accompanying figure was drawn from a specimen gathered in 

 Islay. 



