QUAKING GRASS 641 
There are two empty glumes, longer or shorter than the lowest of the 
series of flowering glumes. There are three stamens, the ovary is 
smooth, the styles short, and the stigmas feathery. The species are 
natives of the Temperate Regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, and South 
America; two British. 
Briza media, one of our native grasses, grows in 
meadows and on heaths throughout the country, and is 
eagerly sought by children of all ages, for the sake of its ever-trembling 
spikelets. B. minor, the only other British representative of the genus, 
is much more restricted in its range—is, in fact, a purely southern form: 
South of England, South of Ireland. These have doubtless always been 
gathered to give lightness to the posy of wild flowers, and for their dried 
panicles to fill the flower vases in winter. Therefore they were probably 
cultivated in gardens at times. But in the year 1633 the large-flowered 
B. maxima was introduced from South Europe, and has continued to be 
most in favour for horticultural purposes. Ten years ago there was 
introduced from Brazil an annual species named B. rotundata ; and this 
about completes the list of those worthy to be admitted into our 
gardens. 
History. 
BRIZA MAXIMA (largest). Leaves long and slender. 
Spikets oblong, heart-shaped, containing from thirteen to 
seventeen flowers, nodding, and the panicle itself nodding at its extremity ; 
June and July. Annual. Plate 302A. Frequently dried and dyed, to 
make into bouquets with Immortelles. 
B. MEDIA (middle-sized). Quake Grass, or Quake. Stems solitary, 
at first creeping, then more erect, 6 to 18 inches high, slender. Leaves 
flat. Spikelets oval, five- to nine-flowered, shining green or purplish, the 
empty glumes shorter than the first flowering glume; June. Perennial. 
-B. MINOR (smallest). Little Quake Grass. Stems tufted, 4 to 10 
inches high. Spikelets much smaller than those of B. media, but more 
numerous, and broader than long, the empty glumes longer than the 
first of the flowering glumes; July. Annual. 
B. ROTUNDATA (round). Leaves slender, erect. Spikelets erect, in 
narrow panicles. Annual. 
Brizas will succeed in ordinary garden soils; but to 
grow them well, they should be planted in a compost 
containing loam, peat, and leaf-mould. They are propagated by means 
of seed, which may be sown either in spring or autumn, but preferably 
in autumn. Where it is desired to make use of the panicles for winter 
decoration, these should be cut as soon as the spikelets are well formed 
and hanging gracefully, and thoroughly dried in the shade. 
IV.— 37 
Principal Species. 
Cultivation. 
