35 



Group I. Sheath characteristically Coloured. 



Blade shining on lower surface; ribs prominent; sheath 

 red and flat 



Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne]. 

 Fig. i. Base of shoot, shewing colour. 



Sheath red and round. 



Italian Ryegrass (Lolittm Italictim}. Veins indistinct 

 when the leaf is held up to the light ; basal margin 

 of blade smooth. 



Meadow and Tall Fescues (Festuca pratensis}. The 

 veins appear as white lines by transmitted light ; 

 basal margin of blade rough. 



Sheath yellow, but not so flat as that of perennial rye- 

 grass. 



Crested Dogstail (Cynosurus cristattts). 

 Fig. 2. Base of shoot, shewing colour. 



Sheath dark brown, or with a tinge of violet ; ribs low 

 and flat. 



Meadow Foxtail (Aloptcurus fratcnsis). 



Fig. 3. Base of shoot, shewing colour. 



Hairy ; red veins in white sheath. 

 Yorkshire Fog (Holcus lanatus). 



Fig. 4. Base of shoot, shewing red veins. 



Note. Perennial Ryegrass and Crested Dogstail 

 are the only flat-sheathed grasses in this 

 group. 



