133 PHLETJM. 



est marslies, and is mucli esteemed for its fattening 

 qualities in pasture as well as foir hay. It is a 

 creeping plant, whicli flowers in May and June, and 

 grows from the centre in a nearly horizontal position, 

 the lower joints touching the ground, and it may be 

 propagated by slips. Its seeds are difficult to pro- 

 ciire, owing to the small number of culms or seed 

 stalks which it produces, and the remarkable irregu- 

 larity of their opening. 



3. Alopecuetts Agrestis (Slender Foxtail). 

 Observation.— Kneed or jointed-like in the middle^ 



root fibrous, of biennial duration ; flowers in July and 

 August. 



This grass is generally termed an annual, but it 

 win flower and last two seasons on a light, dry soU. 

 It is of comparatively little little importance, but may 

 be sown along with some others, on light, sandy soUs 

 on the sea coast, where it wiU grow much better than 

 any of the common rye grasses. 



4. Alopecxjrus Aristulatus (the Wild Water 

 Fox Tail). Grows in water and wet places of no.agri- 

 cultural value ; flowers in June and August. 



4. PHLEUM — Linseus. Catstail Grass. 



GENERIC CHARACTER. 



Palets both present, shorter than the mucronate or 

 awned glumes ; the lower are truncate, usually awn- 

 less ; styles distinct, otherwise much as in Alopecu- 

 rus ; perennials ; spike very dense, harsh. 



(An ancient Greek name.) 



