A Classification of the Varieties of Cultivated Oats 131 
teeth are considerably extended. The basilar articulation in both these 
species, like that in A. sativa and in A. sativa orientalis, is solidified. 
(Plate IV, Plate III, 2, and fig. 23.) 
These species have been but little used as cultivated plants, although 
they still have an isolated 
cultivation in certain 
parts of Europe. 
avena fatua 
A vena fatua is specifi- 
cally distinguished by the 
close investment of its 
kernel, by the distinct 
articulation of all its 
grains, and by its hairy, 
single-pointed lemma. In 
observing the last-named 
character, one should not 
mistake the occasional 
split-pointed lemma for 
the distinctly toothed or 
awn-pointed lemma of A. 
brevis and A. strigosa. 
A. fatua is generally 
believed to be the ancestor 
of A. sativa and A. sativa 
orientalis, the two forms 
which represent the great 
majority of the cultivated 
varieties of oats and which 
are distinguished from the 
wild form as artificial 
species by the solidified 
basilar articulations of their grains (page 132) 
ship, a description of A. fatua is here given: 
Culms semi-erect in early growth, small to medium large in size, gla- 
brous ; sheaths light green and somewhat glaucous at period of full heading ; 
Fig. 23. panicle of avena brevis 
Because of this relation- 
