56 



Botanical Section 



[PT I 



Agrostis vulgaris, With. (Fine Bent-grass.) (Fig. 32.) 

 Perhaps only a smaller variety of A. alba. The main points 

 of difference are : leaves usually narrower ; ligule short and blunt. 

 Panicle very fine and graceful even more 

 delicate than A. alba and generally purple 

 in colour. The lower empty glume is 

 toothed only on the upper half of its keel. 

 (Fig. 35.) 



Agrostis canina, L. (Brown Bent- grass.) 

 Perennial. 



Very near A. alba arid A. vulgaris, but 

 distinguishable from them by the following 

 combination of characters: the ligule is 

 long and acute and the lower leaves almost 

 needle-like. The outer palea bears a fine 

 dorsal awn as long as itself. The inner 

 palea is wanting. (Fig. 36.) 



Agrostis setacea, Curt. A perennial 

 with needle-like leaves, and slender con- 

 tracted panicle. The outer palea bears a 

 bent basal or almost basal awn longer 

 than itself. In Great Britain is only 

 usually found in the S.W. counties of 

 England. 



Agrostis Spica-venti, L. An annual 

 with narrow but expanded leaves. The 

 panicle with its long, slender, spreading 

 branches, and shining spikelets, has a 

 graceful appearance. Not common. 



The outer palea 2-3 mm. long 'bears 

 a fine, straight, sub- terminal awn from 

 twice to four times its own length. Rachilla 

 small and slender. (Fig. 37.) 



Aira ccespitosa, L. (Tufted Hair-grass.) 

 (Figs. 38 and 39.) 



A perennial, abundant in Britain, growing in large dense tufts 

 in moist or shady situations. Sheaths split, shoot rolled ; leaf-blades 

 expanded or slightly rolled, acutely pointed. Upper surface with 



Fig. 37. Agrostis Spica- 

 venti,Ij. x 10. A. Empty 

 glumes. B. " Seed." C. 

 "Seed" with awn fully 

 shown. 



