76 BRITISH GRASSES. 



Elymus Caput- Medusce is a species of smaller growth, 

 seldom exceeding a foot in height. Mr. Loudon de- 

 scribes it as a desirable grass for ornamental purposes, 

 and as compared with the stiff growth of its tall compeer 

 E. giganteus, it is very graceful. It is a native of Por- 

 tugal, growing there on the seacoast, as our species does 

 on those of Britain. 



The true reeds have many noble species well suited 

 for grouping with shrubs, or other grasses, or for soli- 

 tary clumps in lawns. 



Arundo Donax is a native of the south of Europe, 

 where it is cultivated for economic purposes. The 

 French call it " Le grand Roseau" or " Canne de Pro- 

 vence." It is worthy the former name, for it grows to 

 an immense height, so as to form a link between Euro- 

 pean and tropical grasses. Its panicle of feathery flowers 

 is a very beautiful object. There is a variegated species 

 with leaves striped like those of the common Ribbon- 

 grass, but it is sickly and soon dies out. 



Arundo Mauritania, a native of Mauritius, is of lower 

 and more slender growth than A. Donax, and equally 

 beautiful both as to flag-like leaves and feathery flowers. 

 Arundo Pliniana, Pliny's Heed, is also very stately and 

 elegant, and is a great favourite in the gardens of Lan- 

 guedoc. All these require heat, so are not fitted for out- 

 door cultivation in Britain. There is a species of hardier 

 growth called by seedsmen Arundo festucoides, which is 

 very handsome. It grows four feet high, and has large 

 feathery panicles. 



Somewhat resembling the Pampas-grass, especially in 

 its silvery whiteness, but not exceeding six feet in height, 

 is the Erianthus Ravennce, much recommended by De- 

 caisne for planting on lawns. He describes it as " large 



