POA. 



9.7' 



79 



lower ones in pairs ; spikelets lanceolate, compressed, con- 

 taining from two to five florets ; outer glumes acute, ob- 

 scurely three-ribbed, the central rib toothed on the upper 

 part, nearly equal, slightly webbed ; flowering glumes five- 

 ribbed, lanceolate, tapering, with three ribs covered with 

 silky hairs ; palea with its green margins delicately fringed. 



An elegant slender grass, with the panicle sometimes 

 compressed, seldom spreading nearly so much as in 

 the other species, bending 

 slightly, and with the lower 

 branches drooping a little 

 also and turning to one side. 

 The whole plant is of a deli- 

 cate green colour. 



As its English name in- 

 dicates, it is an inhabitant 

 of woods and shady places, 

 and the tall thin herbage of 

 the woods and groves in the 

 north of England, as well 

 as in alpine woods in other 

 countries, is chiefly com- 

 posed of this grass. 



For agricultural purposes 

 it is much recommended, 

 especially for land which is shaded by trees, it forms a 

 good close sward in such situations, which would ill suit 

 other grasses and produces a considerable quantity of 

 fine, nutritious, succulent herbage. Mr. Sinclair says 

 it is much appreciated by cattle, and will grow in ex- 

 posed situations as well as in sheltered ones. Its pre- 

 ference is for a rich soil and shade. 



It is frequent in hilly districts in England and Ire- 



