66 CATABROSA AQUATICA. 



smooth, lax sheaths, the upper one shorter than its leaf, and 

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

 Inflorescence 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 paleae. 

 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, Bceston, Nottinghamshire. 



