INTRODUCTION. 



THE study of the British Grasses is one of no mean interest, 

 inasmuch as many of the species are very graceful and beautiful, 

 whilst a number have added to this interest, usefulness in an 

 agricultural point of view. 



Great Britain possesses about one hundred and forty species, 

 and many very distinct varieties. Beautiful as many of them 

 are, still they sink into insignificance in comparison with some 

 of the Exotic species. The huge Pampas Grass, (Gynerium 

 argenteum,J with its large graceful foliage, and flower stems 

 ten feet in length; the Quaking Grass, (Briza maxima,} of 

 southern Europe, and many others, are all handsome hardy 

 herbaceous plants. 



Amongst the British Grasses six species flower in April, three 

 in May, forty-four in June, sixty-six in July, and nine in 

 August. 



In writing the present work the author has consulted Dr. 

 ParnelPs "British Grasses," Hooker and Arnott's "British Flora," 

 Smith and Sowerby's "British Botany," Smith's "English Flora," 

 and several other works. Dr. ParnelPs "British Grasses" is an 

 admirable work, containing a vast amount of research and 

 microscopic investigation; such a book is exceedingly valuable, 

 and must necessarily be expensive; it is therefore the object of 

 the author in the present book, to furnish a brief description 

 of each species, with a coloured illustration; and the aim will 

 be to complete the work in about twenty shilling numbers, so 

 as to place it within the reach of those who cannot afford to 

 purchase expensive works. 



