306 CTPEBACE2E. 



The first family in the Sedge tribe, that of the Bog Eush, 

 has only one member. 



The Black Bog Rush (Schcenus nigricans), has a round naked 

 stalk, and a roundish head overtopped by two bracts. It grows 

 in turfy bogs, and flowers in June. 



The Beak Rushes occupy similar situations ; there are two 

 species, the White and the Brown ; they have spikes containing 

 a few flowers. The White Beak Rush has two stamens in 

 each flower, and the Brown Beak Eush (Ehyncospora fusca), 

 has three. These plants grow on Eudd Heath. I have gathered 

 them there at the end of July. 



The Cyperus family is the third in the Sedge tribe. 



The Sweet Cyperus or G-alingale (Cyperus longus), has many 

 spikes united in a cluster, accompanied by two or three bracts. 

 It grows two feet high, and is a rare ornament of marshes. 

 The root is very aromatic, and Grerarde says, " It hath a most 

 sweet and pleasant smell when it is broken." 



The Brown Cyperus (C. fiiscus), is a minute plant about 

 four inches high. Its clusters of small spikes are brown, and 

 accompanied by two bracts. It is a very rare plant ; but a 

 specimen gathered in Chelsea meadows has been given to me. 



There is a Spanish Cyperus, with tuberous roots, which is 

 eaten as salad. Quaint old Gerarde tells us that the people of 

 Yerona used to call it "Traci dulci," and that the vendors were 

 wont to cry it in the streets. Dioscorides and Gralen recom- 

 mend it as medicine. 



The Bullrush and Club Eush family is the fourth in the tribe ; 

 they form a numerous family, which need to be divided into 

 groups. 



First come those with solitary spikes. 



The Scaly-stalked Club Eush (Scirpus caespitosus), has scales 

 at the base of the stems. Fanny found it near Clevedon. 



The Floating Club Eush (S. fluitans), is only a few inches 

 high, and floats on still water. This she gathered in Marazion 

 Marsh ; and the Chocolate-headed Club Eush (S. paucifloms), 



