﻿GRASSES OF SCOTLAND. 11 



— whereas in A. pratensis the ligule is short and obtuse. Keels of the 

 calyx and lateral ribs with long hairs, and the stem and sheaths per- 

 fectly smooth. 



From Alopecurus geniculates, in the panicle being more tapering 

 at the extremities ; ligule longer ; spikelets larger ; awns longer ; 

 Calyx more acute and somewhat of a different form, and not so hairy 

 at the keels ; stem and sheaths rough to the touch ; — whereas in A. 

 geniculatus the stem and sheaths are perfectly smooth. 



From Alopecurus fulvus, in the panicle being more tapering at the 

 extremities ; spikelets larger ; ligule longer ; keels of the calyx but 

 slightly hairy ; awn projecting more than half its length beyond the 

 calyx ; stem and sheaths rough to the touch; — whereas in A.fulvus 

 the awn of the floret does not project beyond the calyx, and the stem 

 and sheaths are perfectly smooth. 



This grass is said to be one of the most inferior for agricultural 

 purposes, as no description of cattle seems to touch it. It grows best 

 in poor soil, and will bear many cuttings in the same season. When 

 once it takes possession of the soil, it becomes difficult to extirpate. 

 To farmers it is known by the name of black bent, and is a very trou- 

 blesome grass in many places amongst wheat. Pheasants, partridges, 

 and birds generally are said to be fond of the seed, which is produced 

 in considerable abundance. 



In Scotland this grass is occasionally met with, but by no means 

 common. In England it is found in Northumberland, Durham, York, 

 Nottinghamshire, Cheshire, Worcester, Warwick, Leicester, Oxford, 

 Bedford, Cambridge, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Surrey, Kent, Sussex, 

 Somerset, and Devon. It has not been found either in Ireland or 

 America. Is common in the south of Europe, but does not exist 

 further north than latitude 56. 



Flowers in the first week of July, and ripens its seed in October. 



4. Alopecurus pratensis. * 

 Meadow Fox- tail Grass. 



Specific Characters. — Stem smooth. Awn projecting more than 

 half its length beyond the palea. (Plate IV.) 



• Alopecurus pratensis , Koch, Leers, Smith, Hooker, Lindley, Greville. 



