6 INTRODUCTORY. 



spike silky ? No, it is bristly. Then it is not Alopecurus 

 (Foxtail). Are the spikelets compressed laterally or dorsally ? 

 Laterally. Then it is Phleum, and probably our old friend 

 Timothy, which we can easily ascertain by a reference to our 

 tabular arrangement of that genus. The spike is long and 

 cylindrical ; the glumes are neither wedge-shaped nor tapering, 

 they are truncate, and with that and the thin, white ligule toothed 

 at the apex, Phleum pratense, otherwise Timothy, is unmistakably 

 indicated. 



We need not identify at length every genus in the list. We 

 have had examples enough to show the working of the key which 

 it is time to give. 



Spikes digitate. 



Spikelets in ones. Cynodon. 

 Spikelets in pairs. Pant cum (as regards P. s (inguinale 

 and P. glabnim, frequently grouped into Digitaria). 



Spikes not digitate. 

 Spikelets in notches. 

 Spikelets in ones. 



Spikelets on one side only but in 2 alternate rows. 



Only one style. Nardus. 

 Axis jointed at each notch. Lepturus. 

 Spikelets close. Agropyrum. 

 Spikelets distant. Lolium. 



Spikelets in pairs. Elymus. 

 Spikelets in threes. Hordeum. 



Spikelets not in notches. 

 Spikelets on one side only. 

 Spikelets flattened. Spar Una. 

 Spikelets not flattened. Cynosurus. 



Spikelets alternate in 2 opposite rows. 

 Leaves channelled and blunt. Mibora. 

 Leaves flat and acute. Festuca (as regards F. loliacea). 

 Spikelets turning to one side. Poa (as regards P. 

 loliacea). 



