THE GRASS TRIBH 315 



2. A. interrupta differs very slightly from the preceding ; it has 

 the spikelets more crowded in a narrow panicle with erect branches. 

 Sandy fields in the eastern counties ; rare. Fl. June, July. Peren- 

 nial. 



19. Agrostis (Bent-Grass) 



1. A. setacea (Bristle-leaved Bent-Grass). Leaves in a dense 

 tuft, very slender ; stems 1-2 feet high, erect ; panicle slender, 

 always contracted except when the flowers are expanded ; lowest 

 glume longer than the second ; flowering glume with a fine awn at 

 the base which slightly protrudes from the outer glumes. Dry 

 heaths in the south. Fl. July. Perennial. 



2. A. alba (Fiorin or Marsh Bent-Grass). Stems creeping and 

 rooting in the lower part, then erect ; leaves (lat, rather broad, 

 roughish on the sheath nicle spreading when in flower, after- 

 wards compact ; glumes nearly equal ; flowering glume awnless or 

 with a minute awn at the base. Fields and waste places ; common 

 Fl. July. Perennial. (PI. xciii.) 



3. A. canina (Brown Bent-Grass). Wry similar to A. alba; 

 leaves rather narrower ; panicle less spreading ; outer glumes longer 

 and more pointed ; flowering glume with a slightly protruding awn 

 borne on the back below the middle. Wet heaths, pastures, and 

 damp woods ; common. Fl. July, August. Perenni 



4. A. vulgaris (fommon Bent-Grass). Usually i^rows in denser 

 tufts than .-1. alba, and the stems are not cret it the base or 

 only very shortly ; panicle spreading when in flower and after. 

 A. nigra is similar, but more robust, the panicle rougher, with 

 more rigid branches and larger spikelets. Dry heaths, pastures, 

 and waste places; common. Fl. July. Perennial. 



20. Lagurus (Hare's-tail-Grass) 



1. /.. ovaius (Ovate Hare's-tail-Grass). Erect, up to 1 foot high ; 

 leaves hoary with a soft down ; sheaths rather swollen. Often 

 cultivated in gardens. Sandy places near the sea in Guernsey. 

 Fl. June, July. Annual. 



21. Polypogon (Beard-Grass) 



1. P. monspdiensis (Annual Beard-Grass). Stems i-i| feet 

 high ; leaves flat, rather flaccid ; panicle 2-3 inches long, con- 

 tracted into a cylindrical or slightly branched spike, yellowish 

 shining green, beard-like from the numerous long, straight awns, 

 which are 3 or 4 times as long as the glumes. Marshes and waste 

 places near the sea and tidal rivers in the south-eastern counties. 

 Fl. June, July. Annual. 



