CH. vn] Botanical Description of Species 



67 



more, and often more than an inch broad, linear-lanceolate and 

 acuminate ; smooth on both surfaces, but with numerous, low, 

 flat ribs on the upper side. Ligule represented by a fringe of hairs. 

 No auricles. The loose sheaths allow the blades to turn away 

 from the direction of the strongest prevailing winds. 



Flowers about August; culms stout, erect, smooth, from 5 to 

 8 feet high. Panicle large, compound, with branches turned in the 



Fig. 50. "Seed" 

 of Alopecurus 

 geniculatus, L. 

 xlO. 



Fig. 49. Two semi-aquatic grasses. Alopecu- 

 rus geniculalus, L. (left), Aira ccespitosa, L. 

 (right). About J nat. size. 



same direction as the leaves ; at first silvery- violet or chocolate 

 in colour, but later on turning light-brown. Spikelets numerous, 

 three-flowered, ovate-lanceolate at first, and spreading later. 

 Empty glumes unequal, narrow, and acute, each bearing a nerve 

 on either side of the central keel. 



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