136 liRIZA MEDIA. 



in alternate pairs. Spikelets compressed, broadly ovate, purple, 

 brown, and white, pendulous on long thin footstalks, and con- 

 sisting of about seven awnless florets, extending beyond the 

 calyx. Calyx of two broad obtuse glumes; three-ribbed. 

 Florets of two palese, exterior one of basal floret compressed, 

 broad, and obtuse. Base lobed, destitute of lateral ribs. Inner 

 palea membranous, having two green marginal ribs. Length 

 from twelve to eighteen inches. Root perennial, fibrous, and 

 tufted. 



Flowers at the end of June, and ripens its seed in July. 



The specimen illustrated was gathered near Nottingham. 



