172 BEOMUS DIANDRUS. 



Spikelets commencing direct from the rachis, on short footstalks, 

 the basal ones mostly in twos or threes; generally of eight 

 awned florets, brownish purple in colour. Calyx of two un- 

 equal acute glumes. Upper one three-ribbed, lower one 

 destitute of lateral ribs. Florets of two palese, the exterior one 

 of basal floret bifid, membranous, and extending beyond the 

 calyx, seven-ribbed, the two marginal ribs on either side ap- 

 proximate, central rib dentate. Length from six to twelve inches. 

 Eoot annual and fibrous. 



Flowers towards the end of June, and ripens its seed at the 

 end of July. 



The specimen illustrated was gathered at Bristol, by Mr. 

 Joseph Sidebotham, of Manchester. 



