PHLEUM. 



131 



somewhat tumid ; panicle simple, oval, narrowing to the 

 base, blunt at the apex; spikelets numerous, oval; outer 

 glumes rough in various degrees, fringed on upper part of 

 keel, equal, lanceolate, tipped with short awns ; flowering 

 glume membranous, fine-ribbed, notched at summit, broad 

 and short ; palea the same height, smooth, and ribbed ; fila- 

 ments long ; anthers short ; styles short ; stigmas fea- 

 thered. 



The Sand CatVtail, also called the Sea CatVtail, is 

 a neat minute plant, vary- 

 ing in size according to soil 

 and situation, and some- 

 times very dwarf in stature. 

 It generally fixes itself on 

 the loose sand of the sea- 

 shore. In such a situation, 

 it is not unfrequently found 

 along the coasts of England 

 and Ireland, but it is very 

 seldom seen in Scotland. 

 Dr. Parnell cites the coun- 

 ties of Northumberland, 

 Durham, Cheshire, Den- 

 bighshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Kent, Sussex, Somerset, 

 and Devon as its homes. It is not found in Lapland, 

 Sweden, or Norway. It flowers in the middle of July, 

 and ripens its seed in August. 



6. Phleum Michelii, Schrad. Michelian Cat's-t ail- 

 grass. 



{FTialaris alpina, Host.) 

 Boot perennial, tufted, scarcely creeping ; stems erect, a 

 foot or more in height, simple, smooth, leafy halfway up ; 



k2 



