208 LOLIUM TEMULENTUM. 



florets. Rachis rough and zigzag. Calyx consisting of one glume, 

 which is lengthy and narrow, and having eight ribs. Florets of two 

 paleae, the exterior one of basal floret seven-ribbed. Apex bifid, and 

 having a white harsh awn, more than half the length of the palea, 

 and commencing behind the bifid apex. Inner palea having two green 

 marginal ribs. The glume longer than the spikelet, and smooth, except 

 on the edges. Length twenty-four inches. Root annual and fibrous. 



Dr. Parnell describes a variety which grows amongst and is equally 

 common with the ordinary form, but which is stouter, and the awns 

 of the florets longer. He has named it variety longiaristatum. 



This species flowers at the commencement of July, and ripens its 

 seeds in a month. 



The illustration is from a specimen gathered near Hyde, in Cheshire, 

 by Mr. Joseph Sidebotham, of Manchester. 



