AERHENATHERUM, TALL OAT-GRASS. m 121 



AJRRHENATHERUM, BEAUV. 



Spikelets subterete, 2-flowered, panicled ; rachilla jointed 

 above the empty glumes, extending above the upper flower ; the 

 lower flower staminate, the upper perfect or pistillate. Empty 

 glumes persistent, membranous, unequal, mucronate; the floral 

 glumes firm, 5-7-ner-ved, the lower one bearing a long, bent 

 awn below the middle, the upper one bristle-pointed near the tip 

 or awnless, or rarely bearing a stout, bent awn. Palea narrow, 

 hyaline, 2-nerved. Lodicules 2-fid. Stamens 3. Styles short, 

 distinct, stigmas feathery. Caryopsis ovoid, free. Perennials, 

 leaves flat or convolute when dry. Three species, found in 

 Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. 



A. avenaceum, Beauv. Tall Oat-Grass, False Oat-Grass, 

 French Rye-Grass, Evergreen Grass [at the south]. (Avena 

 elatior, L.) Panicle narrow, long, nodding. Spikelets ^-in., 

 floral glume, with bristly hairs at the base, palea shining ; intro- 

 duced. 



Within the past few years this grass has become somewhat 

 prominent, and has won many notes of praise from the farmers, 

 especially from those living in the south and west. It has long 

 been grown in some portions of Virginia. 



Tall oat-grass is a hardy perennial, growing from three to six 

 feet high and bearing a loose panicle somewhat resembling one of 

 the common oats, only more slender in every way. It is common 

 in Europe and western Asia, and has some peculiarities which 

 ought to be well understood by those attempting to grow it for 

 meadow or pasture. 



In place of much experience by our best farmers, the writer 

 will quote the somewhat conflicting views of several eminent 

 authorities. 



Dr. Lindley, of England, said : " It is bitter and ungrateful 



Fig. (A.-ArrlwMtherum awnaceum, Beauv. (Tall Oat-Grass) : a, plant; c, spikelet 

 nearly closed; b, rather more enlarged and the outer glumes removed. (Details by 

 Scribner.) 



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