OEDER OXLn. — GRAMINACE.E. 593 



Genus XXXVII— EL'YMTJS. {Wild Rye.) 

 (From elumus, a hull ; a name given to grasses that grow about Elyma.) 



Spikelets 2 or more, at each joint of the rachis, 3 — 9-flow- 

 ered. Glumes 2, nearly equal, sometimes absent ; lower 

 palea entire, with a short awn, upper one bifid. Scales ovate, 

 hairy. 



1. E. Virgin'ictjs, (L.) Stem erect, glabrous. Leaves scabrous, with 

 scabrous sheaths. Glumes 2, somewhat lateral, terminating by an awn ; 

 the exterior palea concave, awned, about the size of the interior. — If. 

 June — Aug. Dry soils. 2 — 3 feet. 



2. E. stria'tus, (Willd.) Spike erect ; spikelets 2-flowered, awned, 

 hispid, in pairs. Glumes linear, awned. Stem erect, striate. Leaves 

 lanceolate, acuminate, upper surface scabrous; rachis pubescent. — 2f.. 

 June. Shady woods. 8 — 12 inches. 



3. E. hys'trix, (L.) {Asprella hystrix, WiUd.) Spike erect ; spike- 

 lets expanding, 4-flowered, destitute of glumes. Palem glabrous. 

 Leaves glaucous. — If. July. Mountains. 2 — 3 feet. 



Genus XXXVIIL— HOR'DEUM. L. {Barley.) 



Spikelets 1 -flowered, 3 at each joint of the rachis. Glumes 

 slender awned, or bristle-form. Palea? herbaceous ; the lower 

 convex, awned. Stamens 3. 



1. H. vulga're, (L.) Spike long, flexible, a little arched ; florets 

 disposed in 6 rows, or less in poor soils, two opposite rows most pro- 

 jecting. 



The native country of the Barley is uncertain. Its uses are numerous. To make 

 temporary pastures, in this climate, it is of great value. It forms our Porter and Ale 

 by affording the fermenting substance of malt, which is sprouted Barley. Pearl Bar- 

 ley is Barley with the outer covering removed. 



Tribe IX.— SACCHA'RE^E. 



Inflorescence spicate ; rachis articulated. 



Genus XXXIX.— TRIP'S ACUM. L. {Gama Grass.) 

 (From tribo, to rub ; from its polished spike.) 



Flowers monoecious. Sterile florets : stamens 3 ; glumes 2, 

 2-flowered, outer one sterile, the interior neuter ; palea 1, mem- 

 branaceous. Fertile flowers : glumes 2, 1 -flowered, surrounded 

 by an involucre; paleae 2. Styles 2. Seed 1. 



1. T. dactyloi'des, (L.) Stem erect, glabrous, more or less compress- 

 ed. Leaves large, contracted at the base ; sheath villous at the throat. 

 Flowers in 3 clustered spikes ; the upper florets sterile, the lower fer- 

 tile, generally 2 — 4. — %. July — Aug. On dry soils. 5 — 7 feet. 



2. T. monosta'chyum, (Willd.) Stem erect, glabrous, compressed. 

 Leaves large, serrulate, contracted at the base. Flowers in a solitary, 

 terminal spike; upper florets sterile, the lower fertile. — If. Aug. — 

 Oct Along the sea-coast. 3 — 5 feet 



