122 



often quitQ simple, and almost erect Spikelets linear-lanceolate, or 

 approaching to oblong, eight- or ten-flowered, smooth, or even glossy. 

 Glumes usually nearly equal, but variable. Awn of the outer palea 

 equal to it in length, straight or slightly waved. 



Annual. Flowers in June and July. 



Some modern botanical writers have bestowed much pains in attempt- 

 ing to prove this a distinct species ; if it be such, it is a perfect vege- 

 table proteus. However different may be my own views, I am un- 

 willing to avoid acknowledgment of the industry and careful research 

 by which others have arrived at a contrary conclusion ; and hence 

 transcribe a quotation from Mr. H. Watson's remarks on this subject, 

 according to whom " this species is known by its glossy, grey-green 

 spikelets acquiring a brownish tinge in sunny spots, its longer and 

 harsher peduncles than those of B. mollis, and racemosus, and its 

 glumellas (palese) larger and more inflated than in B. secalinus and 

 arvensis." How far the value of such characters may be enhanced by 

 the recorded fact that, in Bromus commutatus the apex of the upper 

 glume reaches half-way to the top of the fourth flower of the spikelet, 

 while in Bromus mollis and B. racemosus it extends half-way to the top 

 of the sixth flower, is a question yet to be decided. 



Dr. Parnell, noticing this grass, in the earlier part of his admirable 

 work, under the name of Bromus arvensis, observes upon its attach- 

 ment to richer soils than B. mollis, B. racemosus, or B. secalinus ; and 

 considers it of more value, as affording a considerable weight of 

 nutritive hay, especially if cut at the time of flowering ; but adds, that 

 if left unmown until the seed is ripe, the crop becomes comparatively 

 of no value. Its herbage in spring affording an early bite to sheep and 

 lambs, constitutes its principal merit. 



Beomus eacemosus. Smooth Brome Grass. Plate CV. 



Panicle rather compact, erect, usually simple. Spikelets ovate, 

 more or less compressed, glossy. Flowers closely imbricated, about as 

 long as the straight awn. Leaves and sheaths slightly hairy. 



Bromus racemosus, Limmmis. E. B. 1079 ; ed. 2. 154. Parnell. 

 Hooker and AmoU. Serrafalcus racemosus, Bdbington. 



Perhaps not unfrequent in meadows and pastures, especially on a 

 poor, sandy, or gravelly soU, though liable to be confounded with both 

 the preceding and following. Stems slightly pubescent, from one to 

 two feet in height. Leaves soft to the touch, except towards the point, 

 rather downy than hairy. Inflorescence erect, even when in fruit; 

 the rough and generally simple stalks of the panicle being rigid and 

 directed upward. Spikelets ovate or ovate-oblong, light-green, glossy, 

 six- to eight-flowered. Glumes broad, roughish. Awn about the 

 length of the palea, or rather exceeding it. 



Annual. Flowers in June and July. 



Scarcely distinguishable frord B. commuiatus even as a variety, the 



