56 CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO [CH. 



more grooved and dark below, and the ridges more distinct and flat. 

 It is relatively well rooted and is stoloniferous. 



Arrhenatheruvi avenaceum, Beauv. (False Oat-grass). 

 Loose tufts -with short stolons, or bulbous below. Leaves 

 few, narrow, thin, dry, rough, with very low flat ribs, 

 convolute in bud, and practically glabrous. Sheath smooth. 

 Ligule truncate, hairy on its outer surface. Bitter, and 

 commonly undervalued by agriculturists, but useful in 

 mixed pasture, and yields bulky, coarse hay. 



There are often a few sparse isolated hairs on the low ribs. The 

 base enters the sheath with slight and sometimes pinkish ledges. 

 Ridges hardly observable. Traces of roughness if rubbed downwards. 

 White lines, about 5 each side on holding up to the light. The not 

 very long leaves taper slightly below. 



Arrhenatherum is liable to confusion with Holcus, Anthoxanthum, 

 Molinia and Avena, but it is typically glabrous, whereas the others 

 are hairy. 



From Holcus it is easily distinguished by the sheaths, ligule and 

 soft hairs of that genus. 



Anthoxanthum differs in its habit, ears, scent, sheath and ligule. 



Molinia differs in habit, ligule, sheath, and tough stringy roots, 

 and the shape of the leaves. 



Avena pratends differs in its narrow leaves, less prominent 

 ridges, and ligule ; A. flavescens in its much broader and coarser 

 hairy leaves, and the ligule ; and A. pubesceris in pubescence and 

 flat-shoots and ligule. 



tt Leaves very thin, blade tapering below. Keel 

 prominent, but no ridges above. Ligide long and 

 torn. 



Milium effusum, L. (Spreading Millet-grass). Tufted 

 perennial. Leaves linear-lanceolate, scabrid above. Sheath 

 smooth. Bitter tasting. May be slightly hairy. Woods. 

 It is much liked by birds, but is of no value in agriculture. 



