OAT-GEASS DABNEL. 325 



my Yorkshire collection ; and Edward has found the Field, 

 Smooth, and Soft species about Hawkhurst. 



The Oat-grasses are distinguished by their lax panicles, 

 two loose membranous glumes, and small number of florets, 

 each of which has one palea armed with a strong-twisted 

 awn. 



The flowers of the Wild Oat (Avena fatua), so nearly resemble 

 a fly that they are used instead of artificial flies for fishing. 

 Its panicle is erect, and the spikelets pendulous. 



The Narrow-leaved Oat (A. pratensis), is a rare inhabitant 

 of chalky pastures ; its branches are short and simple, and its 

 florets about five in a spikelet. 



The Alpine Oat (A. alpina), has an erect panicle also, but 

 fewer flowers in the spikelets, and the stalk of each is bearded 

 under the cluster. 



Two of this group which used to be reckoned in this family 

 are exalted by Persoon into a new genus, and called Trisetum, 

 or " three-seeded." They have three flowers in each spikelet, 

 the glumes have a membranous keel, and the lower palea has 

 two bristles and a tender flexible awn above the middle of its 

 back. 



The Golden Oat (A. flavescens), the first member of the new 

 family, has a much-branched panicle with erect spikelets ; it 

 has a brilliant golden hue, and flourishes in rich pastures. It 

 does not thrive well alone, but needs to be mingled with other 

 Grasses. There is a bitter principle in it which adds to its 

 value. Sheep are very fond of it. 



The Downy Oat-grass (A. pubescens), has also an erect 

 spreading panicle, but its leaves are woolly ; and it is accounted 

 a second-rate meadow Grass, generally characterising poor land ; 

 but it greatly improves by cultivation. 



The Darnel family have many-flowered spikelets, which are 

 seated alternately on the stem, forming a narrow spike. There 

 are one glume and two herbaceous paleae. The two styles are 

 very short, and the stigmas are feathery. 



