WHEAT 



105 



shape may be tapering to the tip, tapering both ways 

 from the middle, tapering from the top to the bottom, or 

 it may be uniform throughout the length of the spike. 

 The outer glume in the wheat spikelet is oval in shape and 

 terminates in a beak which varies in sharpness and length. 



Fig. 34. — ■ A spikelet of wheat. No. 1 shows parts in position as they 

 appear on the head. No. 2 shows parts dissected. 



The outer glumes also vary in color and they may be 

 velvety or hairy, or smooth, depending upon variety. 



88. The flowers. — ■ Each flower is inclosed in a flower- 

 ing glume and palea. The flowering glume is larger than 

 the palea and is on the outer side of the kernel, that is, 

 next to the outer glume. The tip of the flowering glume 

 in some varieties is extended into an awn or beard, while 

 in others no awn appears. The latter are called beard- 



