ch. vii] Botanical Description of Species 



119 



Spikelets numerous, small, erect, two- or three-flowered, of a green, 

 or more frequently a purplish colour. Glumes unequal, and 

 smooth. 



"Seeds." Outer palea 3-4 mm. long, acute, three-nerved 

 and smooth, often of a purple colour. Inner palea with marginal 

 nerves not fringed. The two paleae stand rather widely apart 

 at the top. Rachilla long, cylindrical, slender, and bent or 

 "knobbed" at the top. (Fig. 130.) 



Fig. 129. "Seed" of Milium 

 effusum. x 10. Left. Back 

 view, showing fine nerves of 

 the outer palea. Right. Front 

 view, showingthe inner palea. 



Fig. 130. "Seed" 

 of Molinia cce- 

 rulea. x 10. Side 

 view. 



Fig. 131. "Seed" 

 of Nardus stricta. 

 x5. 



Nardus stricta, L. (Moor Mat-grass.) (Fig. 132.) 

 A tufted perennial, common on dry moors and sandy heaths. 

 Its roots are tough and stringy. Sheaths smooth. Leaves bristle- 

 like, hard, rigid, and almost solid. Ligule small and blunt. No 

 auricles. 



Flowers about July, the culms being 6 inches or rather more 

 in height. Spikelets sessile on the erect spike, one-flowered, 

 lanceolate-pointed, all turned towards one side. Empty glumes 

 wanting, or one rudimentary glume only. 



