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W. C. Etheridge 
distinguish groups of varieties clearly; and, moreover, divisions by these 
means are not likely to remain stable under radical changes of environ- 
ment. However, the more definite morphological characters used by the 
French authors are among those which must inevitably have a place in 
any comprehensive system for the identification of varieties of oats. 
The Svalof system, published by Nilsson (1901), is based on five dis- 
tinctions in the form of panicles, each so-called type of panicle being 
coordinated with light- and dark-colored grains. The number of grains 
in the spikelet, the form and the maturing period of grains, and the quality 
of culms, are used as supplementary characters. Many fine distinctions 
in the form of panicles and the color of grains are employed for the de- 
scription of single varieties. The Svalof system may be outlined as follows: 
L Varieties with white grains and side panicles. Panicle feather-like, long and small, 
one-sided, greatly inclined, and pectinate; primary branches stiff, upright, 
appressed. Grains 2-1 per spikelet, white, small, hard, more or less slender, 
spindle-like, and short-pointed. Generally late in ripening. Culms hard and 
stiff. 
II. Varieties with black grains and side panicles. Panicle, form of grain, ripening period, 
and culm as in I. 
III. Varieties with white grains and stiff panicles. Panicle stiff, short, broad, formed 
like a one-sided pyramid, somewhat drooping; primary branches strong-upstand- 
ing; points numerous. Grains 2-3 per spikelet, white, large, plump, more or less 
oval, blunt-pointed. Generally medium early in ripening. Culms inclined to 
be stiff. 
IV. Varieties with black grains and stiff panicles. Panicle, form of grain, ripening 
period, and culm as in III. 
V. Varieties with white grains and wide-spreading panicles. Panicle spreading, long, 
bushy, all sides pyramid-like, branches long, slender, weak-upstanding, the lower 
ones at least being strongly drooping and with pendant spikelets. Grains 3-1 
per spikelet, very long but narrow, thin, and especially long-pointed. Often 
early-maturing, although some varieties mature late. Culms usually w r eak. 
VI. Varieties with black grains and wide-spreading panicles. Panicle, form of grain, 
ripening period, and culm as in V. 
. VII. Varieties with white grains and spreading panicles. Panicle spreading, all tides 
equal, its periphery oval; branches arched-upstanding, bare, spreading, irregular, 
the secondary branches strong; point short, somewhat knee-like. Grains 1-2 per 
spikelet, white, short, thick, hard, almost entirely inclosed by the lemma of the 
first grain, blunt, and short-pointed. Maturing period timely. Culms weak and 
brittle. 
VIII. Varieties with black grains and spreading panicles. Panicle, form of grain, ripening 
period, and culm as in VII. 
IX. Varieties with white grains and loose panicles. Panicle loose, all sides equal, long, 
slender, pyramid-like; primary branches short, erect, weak. Grains 1-2 per 
spikelet, verj r small but unusually plump, oval, and either blunt- or sharp-pointed. 
Maturing either timely or very late. Culms always weak. 
X. Varieties with black grains and loose panicles, Panicle, form of grain, ripening 
period, and culm as in IX. . 
