92 HIE1WCHLOE BOREALIS. 



In Iceland it is used to scent the clothes and apartments of the 

 inhabitants, and in that island it is a common species. The scent 

 emitted is very similar to that of our Sweet-Scented Vernal Grass, 

 (Anthoxanthum odoratum.) 



The stem stout, upright, circular, and smooth, carrying three or 

 four wide, brief, lanceolate, roughish leaves, with smooth sheaths, the 

 upper one somewhat swollen, considerably longer than its leaf, and 

 having a bold broad ligule at its apex. Joints hid by the sheaths, 

 near the base of the stem, and smooth. Inflorescence compound 

 panicled. Panicle upright, except near the apex. Branches smooth, 

 spreading, proceeding from the rachis in pairs; colour purplish. 

 Spikelets of good size, glossy, green and purple, consisting of three 

 awnless florets hid by the calyx. Calyx of two almost equal-sized, 

 smooth, acute, broad glumes, destitute of lateral ribs. Florets of two 

 paleee; the exterior one of lowest floret five-ribbed ; edges fringed; 

 keel rough and slightly hairy; interior one shorter, with entire apex. 

 Filaments in perfect floret two, in barren floret three. Anthers 

 conspicuous, pendulous, and notched at either extremity. Ovarium 

 ovate. Styles two. Stigmas feathery. Length from twelve to 

 eighteen inches. Root creeping and perennial. 



Flowers at the commencement of May, and ripens its seed in 

 June. 



The specimen for illustration was gathered near Thurso by Mr. B. 

 Dick, and forwarded to me by Mr. Joseph Sidebotham, of Manchester. 



