62 



Botanical Section 



[PT I 



distinct on upper surface low, and flat. The hairiness of the 

 blade varies much; hairs may be confined to the margins, and 

 to the throat of the sheath, or both blade surfaces may be hairy. 

 Ligule well developed, but blunt and very thin. No auricles are 

 present, but the base of the blade forms ledges with hairy margins. 

 Sweet scented. Abundant in Britain. 



Fig. 44. Spike-like panicles of Alopecurus pratensis, L. showing four stages of 

 development. Left to right, (a) emerging from the inflated sheath, (6) with 

 stigmas just in the receptive condition, (c) with stamens fully protruded, and 

 (d) the post-flowering condition. About f nat. size. 



Flowers in April and May ; panicle close, and spike-like, 1 to 

 2 inches long. Spikelets one-flowered, 8-9 mm. long. Two 

 pairs of empty glumes are present ; the lower or outer pair unequal 



