THE RUSHES, GRASSES, AND FEUNS. 



269 



Fig. 201. 



make it a prominent object, one that a young 

 botanist on the look-out for novelties is not likely 

 to hurriedly pass over. Its scientific specific name is 

 a very appropriate one, as it alludes to the bent or 

 kneed position into which the purple-coloured stem 

 is thrown at every joint. From the lower joints 

 there frequently spring roots. The sheaths with 

 which the broadish leaves surround the stem are 

 looser in the species of foxtail grass 

 last mentioned. The Meadow Fox- 

 tail (Alopecurus pratensis) has a close 

 resemblance to the last species, but 

 you will find it only in meadows, 

 where it grows most luxuriantly. 

 It is more erect in its growth, how- 

 ever, and has larger and thicker 

 spikes, and longer awns. The florets 

 are not unlike those of the marsh 

 foxtail, Fig. 202. 



Let us now turn to another Floret ot Aiopecnrs 



agrestis, mngninod. 



abundant species of grass you are 

 certain to find in your walks through the fields 

 and lanes : it is a soft, silky-looking grass, of 

 a white or light-red colour, growing in compact 

 masses among various other kinds, and goes by the 

 name of Meadow Soft Grass (Holcus lanatus). It 

 vegetates rather late in the season, but usually 

 produces a very abundant crop, especially on light 

 or moist soils. When in full flower the panicle is 

 very spreading. The florets are two-flowered, the 



