HOW TO STUDY THE GRASSES. 77 



Figure 63 illustrates what should be seen. At 2 are the outer 

 glumes, looking much alike in shape and size. At the base one 

 appears to be a trifle inside of the other. They are tipped with 

 a mucronate awn, and are ciliate on the back. If cut in two 

 crosswise, the section of a glume appears in shape much like a 

 broad letter V. At the base of the letter is a rib. Such glumes 

 are keeled. 



At 3 is the flowering glume, covering the palea, which is rather 

 smaller. Still within the palea, if the specimen be in flower, may 

 be seen three slender filaments, each bearing an anther at the 

 extremity. At the center is a small ovary, from the top of which 

 spread two feathery stigmas. Turn to the page where Phleum 

 pratense, L. is described, if you have not already done so. 



Do not hurry, but try hard to imderstand everything as you 

 proceed, and whenever you come to a word which is not under- 

 stood, consult the glossary or some other portion of the book. 

 In a note book make a list of all the new technical words, per- 

 haps with their definitions, and frequently study them over like 

 a spelling lesson, till they become familiar. With this thorough- 

 ness on the start, you will very soon master the difficulties and 

 progress will be certain and satisfactory. Review often and thus 

 become well acquainted with the first lessons. This review may 

 not be so interesting as advanced lessons, but it is time spent in 

 a very profitable manner. 



The beginner is likely to hurry and run over too much ground. 

 He is almost certain not to understand what he looks over. He 

 becomes superficial, and often fancies he is learning a good deal, 

 when in reality he possesses scarcely anv definite information of 

 value. 



The following are suggested as desirable grasses for the 

 beginner to study : Ray or rye-grass, Lolium, quack grass and 

 wheat, barley, rye, wild rye. It makes no difference which is 

 taken up first. The reader will soon see that those last named 



