116 POA PRATEN8T8. 



slightly longer than inner one; the latter sometimes bifid at summit, 

 and having two marginal ribs. Length from twelve to fifteen inches. 

 Root perennial and creeping. 



Flowers at the commencement of June, and ripens its seed in a 

 month. 



This plant delights to grow in loose sandy soil; it is very subject 

 to variety, nevertheless the webbed character of the florets, the upper 

 leaf considerably shorter than its sheath, the obtuse ligule, and the 

 hirsute marginal ribs are present in all the varieties. 



Dr. Parnell enumerates the following*: 



1. Planiculmis. Stem stout; leaves short and broad, upper leaf 

 folded. Common. 



2. Umbrosa. Tall and slender; panicle drooping; leaves long and 

 narrow. Common in shady places. 



3. Arida. Stem sheathed nearly to summit; panicle drooping. 

 Found in dry exposed situations. 



4. Retroflexa. Small and slender; lower branches of panicle suddenly 

 bent downwards. Common under trees. 



5. Muralis. Slender and dwarf; panicle erect. Grows on shady 

 walls. 



6. Arenaria. Stout and erect; large angular spikelets; outer palea 

 seven-ribbed; glaucous. Found amongst sand on the sea coast. 



The illustration is from a specimen from Highfield House. 



