50 CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO [CH. 



With regard to Agrostis, there is no colour in the sheath, the 

 hgule is longer and pointed, and the leaves drier and thinner than in 

 Lolium, and harsher on both surfaces. Agrostis has also no ears. 



Alopecurus pratensis has much broader and flatter ridges than 

 Lolium and a longer ligvile, and its sheaths are dark-brown or 

 black — not red ; but A. agrestis has very similar ridges to Lolium 

 and may easily be confounded at first. 



Agropyrum is sometimes nearly glabrous, and may then be 

 confused with Lolium by beginners : its low ridges, cm-led and 

 pointed ears, obsolete ligule, and thinner, drier, harsher blade, as 

 well as the stolons, distinguish it. 



Lolium temulentum and Hordeum murinum occasionally cause 

 difficulty, but the latter is always more or less hairy, its blades 

 thinner and drier, and the ridges less raised. 



tt Sections rounded — elliptical or nearly circular. 

 Sheath distinctly split, at least above. 



Cynosurus cristatus, L. (Crested Dog's-tail). Useful 

 as pasture on dry soils, but only moderately so as hay. 

 Blade narrow, slightly eared or collared below, tapered 

 above ; firmer than Lolium. Sheath only split a short 

 way down. Yellow or yellowish-white at the base. Leaves 

 conduplicate or convolute, short and narrow, the ligule 

 short : minute ears at base. Usually easily recognised 

 by the withered culms and persistent pectinate spikes 

 (Fig. 16). 



Festuca elatior, L. (Meadow Fescue). A valuable 

 meadow and pasture grass, though somewhat coarse. 

 Several varieties are known. Best on heavy soils. Deep 

 rooted. Blade flat and broad, conduplicate, sharp-eared 

 at the base, and there rough at the margin : lower surface 

 polished. Rich green. Mid-rib flat above, numerous ribs 

 with white lines between if held up and examined with a 

 lens. Ligule obsolete (Figs. 12 and 17). 



