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6 inches or more in length. The spikelets fire arranged alternately 

 on the axis, placed edgewise ; that is, with one edge of the flat 

 spikelet applied to the main stem at short distances, so that there 

 may he twenty or more in the panicle. The spikelets are one-half 

 to three-fourths of an inch long ; generally seven to eleven flowered. 

 The inner empty glume is generally wanting, so that, except on the 

 terminal spikelet, only one glume is apparent, which is half or more 

 than half the length of the spikelet, narrowly lanceolate, and acute. 

 The general appearance of the panicle is like that of couch grass 

 (Triticum repens.) The flowering glumes are thickish, obscurely 

 nerved, rather hispid, acutely pointed, or in the variety Italicum, 

 with a longish awn. The proper palets are similar to the flowering 

 glumes and of nearly equal length. 



An intelligent writer, whom we have frequently quoted, says re- 

 specting this grass : 



It occupies the same place in Great Britain that timothy does with us, and is 

 there esteemed on the whole higher than any other species of grass, and is called 

 rye grass or ray grass. Of all the varieties of Loliwm perenne which are known that 

 called Italicum is by far the most valuable. Its spikelets are conspicuously bearded, 

 the flowers being all terminated by long, slender awns, which character distinguishes 

 it very easily from Loliurn perenne. Its name (Italian rye grass) is derived from 

 the fact that its native habitat is on the plains of Lombardy. where broad and ex- 

 tensive plains of pasture land are frequently inundated by the mountain streams 

 which intersect them. It is mainly adapted to irrigated meadows, and in these it is 

 undoubtedly superior to any other grass. 



Professor Phares says : 



This grass stands drought well and grows most luxuriantly in our Southern States. 

 If not kept grazed or mowed, however, the leaves cover the ground so deeply and 

 densely that an excess of rain in very hot weather in the extreme South causes it to 

 rot suddenly, destroying even the roots. This I have never seen or heard mentioned 

 by any other person, but it occurred on my own farm one season, where I was re- 

 serving a lot for seed. 



3. L. temulentum, Linn. Poison Darnel. Introduced. 



This species is frequently found in grain fields. The seeds have 

 long enjoyed a reputation of being poisonous to stock, and also to 

 mankind, when mixed in large quantity with the wheat or rye used 

 in the making of bread. The question seems hardly yet decided, 

 but it is best to exterminate the grass as a weed and a pest. 



Ageoptrum, Beauv. (Triticum, in part, of authors.) 

 Spikelets several-flowered (three to nine or more,) compressed, 



