176 A VENA FATUA. 



Spikelets ample pendulous, ovate-lanceolate in form; of two 

 (sometimes three) florets. Calyx of two equal-sized, smoothj 

 membranous, acute glumes, the exterior one seven-ribbed, the 

 inner one eleven-ribbed. Florets of two palese, exterior one of 

 basal floret ovate in shape, acute, eight-ribbed, and considerably 

 shorter than the calyx. Awn above double the length of the 

 floret, twisted and bent, and of a dull reddish colour. Length 

 thirty-six inches. Root annual and fibrous. 



Flowers at the commencement of July, and seeds become ripe 

 at the end of August. 



The illustration is from a specimen gathered at Congleton, 

 by Mr. Joseph Sidebotham, of Manchester. 



