74 AIRA FI.EXTJOSA. 



but destitute of lateral ribs. Florets of two equal-sized pales, 

 the exterior one of lowest floret having a bifid apex ; base hirsute, 

 with two delicate ribs on either side. Keel roughish, and 

 having a slender awn rising from slightly above the base, and 

 extending far beyond the apex of the palea. Inner palea very 

 thin, membranous ; margins minutely fringed. Root perennial 

 and fibrous. Length from twelve to eighteen inches. Colour 

 dark green. 



Flowers at the commencement of July, and ripens its seed 

 in the middle of August. 



Dr. Parnell describes a variety known as A. flexuosa, var. 

 montana. Frequently met with on the Highland Moors. It is 

 more slender, and the ligules are more acute. 



The illustration is from a specimen forwarded by Mr. Joseph 

 Sidebotham, of Manchester. 



