THE 



GRASSES OF GREAT BRITAIN. 



INTRODUCTION. 



Among the numerous and diversified forms of the vegetable cre- 

 ation there is one most remarkable ; as well for the extent of surface 

 occupied by its countless millions of individuals, which, owing to 

 their preponderance under almost every condition of soil and cli- 

 mate, may be said to bestow its hue and character upon the "broad 

 green earth," as for its importance in the vast economy of Nature. 

 This form, characteristic of an extensive order or family of plants, 

 comprising about four thousand known species, is distinguished 

 in our English language by the name of Grass, the indigenous 

 species of which constitute the subject of the work before us. 



The term Grass is occasionally employed in a much more com- 

 prehensive sense than is here admitted, especially by the farmer ; 

 who, accustomed to regard it as synonymous with green food for 

 cattle of any description, applies it, nominally at least, to Clover, 

 Sainfoin, and other plants cultivated for a similar purpose ; while, 

 at the same time, he may probably exclude from the series, species 

 naturally associating with it by correspondence in structure, simply 

 on account of their diflferent agricultural adaptation. The mere 

 cursory observer, misled by certain resemblances ifl general aspect, 



