133 PHLEUM. 



est marshes, and is much esteemed for its fattening 

 qualities in pasture as well as for hay. It is a 

 creeping plant, which flowers in May and June, and 

 grows from the centre in a nearly horizontal position, 

 the lower joints touching the ground, and it may be 

 propagated by slips. Its seeds are difficult to pro- 

 cure, owing to the small number of culms or seed 

 stalks which it produces, and the remarkable irregu- 

 larity of their opening. 



3. ALOPECUEUS AGRESTIS (Slender Foxtail). 

 Observation. Kneed or jointed-like in the middle; 



root fibrous, of biennial duration ; flowers in July and 

 August. 



This grass is generally termed an annual, but it 

 will flower and last two seasons on a light, dry soil. 

 It is of comparatively little little importance, but may 

 be sown along with some others, on light, sandy soils 

 on the sea coast, where it will grow much better than 

 any of the common rye grasses. 



4. ALOPECURTJS ARISTULATUS (the Wild Water 

 Fox Tail). Grows in water and wet places of no agri- 

 cultural value ; flowers in June and August. 



4. PHLEUM Linseus. CATSTAIL GRASS. 



GENERIC CHARACTER. 



Palets both present, shorter than the mucronate or 

 awned glumes ; the lower are truncate, usually awn- 

 less ; styles distinct, otherwise much as in Alopecu- 

 rus ; perennials ; spike very dense, harsh. 



(An ancient Greek name.) 



