Mar., 1912.] A Revised Taxonomy of the Grasses. 
491 
are called lodicules and are supposed to represent a vestigial 
perianth. 
The synopsis given below corresponds quite closely with that 
of Bessey, given in his “Outline of Plant Phyla, Second Edition.” 
I might add however, that my own arrangement was worked out 
independently several years ago before I knew that Dr. Bessey 
was working on the same problem. To anyone interested, a 
comparison of the two synopses will indicate in some degree the 
basis on which phvletic classification rests and the extent of 
agreement to be attained by workers not influenced by nor follow- 
ing any adopted “authority. ” 
SYNOPSIS OF THE TRIBES OF GRASSES. 
I. Spikelets many — 1-flowered; rachilla usually articulated above 
the empty glumes which are persistent after the fall of the 
flowers; spikelets usually more or less laterally compressed. 
1 . Aerial stems entirely woody or at least woody at the base, 
perennial; lodicules usually 3; leaf-blade with a 
short petiole articulated with the sheath. 
Subfamily, Bambusatae. 
a. Tribe, Bambusece. 
2. Aerial stems herbaceous and annual; lodicules usually 2; 
leaf-blades sessile, without a joint. 
Subfamily, Poacatae. 
(1) . Spikelets 2 — many-flowered; in panicles, spike-like 
panicles or racemes. 
a. Flowering glumes as long or longer than the empty 
glumes, unawned or with a straight awn from 
the apex. Tribe, Festucece. 
b. Flowering glumes generally shorter than the empty 
glumes, usually with a bent awn on the back; 
callus and usually the rachilla-joints hairy. 
Tribe, Avenece. 
(2) . Spikelets 1 — several -flowered, in rows, forming an 
equilateral or 1 -sided spike or raceme ; sometimes 
monosporangiate. 
a. Spikelets sessile in 2 opposite rows, forming an 
equilateral spike; leaf-blades bearing at base a 
more or less well-marked pair of auriculate 
appendages. Tribe, Hordece. 
b. Spikelets sessile in 2 rows on one side of a flattened 
axis, forming 1-sided spikes which are digitate 
or paniculate, or sometimes solitary. 
Tribe, Chlorides. 
