PREFACE. 



We offer our little work on c British Grasses ' to an in- 

 dulgent Public, whose genial kindness we have already 

 proved on various occasions. The Grass tribe has many 

 charms and attractions, which only need to be pointed 

 out to secure the attention of all true lovers of nature. 

 The study of them presents some difficulties, but they 

 are not such as, when fairly met, need to deter English 

 ramblers from cultivating their acquaintance. To in- 

 duce them to do this, we have used every effort and care 

 in collecting information and simplifying the matter 

 culled from greater and more scientific writers ; and we 

 confidently hope to accompany many an excursionist on 

 a summer holiday, and to secure the attention of a large 

 proportion of the observant for the elegant grasses now 

 beginning their varied succession in our rich meadows 

 and pastures. Once begun, we have no doubt of the 



