66 CATABROSA AQUATICA. 



having a blunt membranous ligule at its apex. Joints smooth. Inflor- 

 escence compound panicled, the panicle being upright, with spreading 

 unequal branches. Spikelets small, numerous, and weeping, consisting 

 of two awnless florets, considerably longer than the glumes. The calyx 

 consisting of two rough, unequal blunt, membranous glumes, destitute 

 of lateral ribs. The upper glume largest. Florets of two equal-sized 

 palege. Length from twelve to twenty-four inches. 



Flowers the second week of July, and ripens seed the second week 

 of August. 



A dwarf variety has been found growing near the sea in damp 

 situations, especially along the west coast of Scotland. This variety 

 is known by the English name of " Small Water Hair Grass," and 

 is the Catabrosa aquatica, variety littoralis, of Parnell. 



I am indebted to Mr. J. Sidebotham for specimens. 



The specimen illustrated was gathered in a ditch, near the railway 

 station, Beeston, Nottinghamshire. 



