178 
TRXANDRIA. DIGYNIA. Cynosurus. 
Var. 2. Spike four-cornered. Ray. Syn. 399. 
Pastures., common. P. June—July. 
(Var. 3. Spike viviparous. Observed by Mr. Brown in the King’s Park, 
Edinburgh, Nov. 1791; and by Sir Thomas Frankland in a pasture in 
Yorkshire; the plant being remarkably strong. Sir Thomas is led to 
suppose the above effect may be occasioned by unusual vigour. In wet 
seasons Mr. Sinclair finds it generally viviparous under trees in Woburn 
Park. Mr. Davies likewise in Anglesey, E.) 
C. echina'tus. (Spike compound, egg-shaped. E.) Floral-leaves 
winged; segments awned. 
(E. Bot. 1333. E.) — C. B. Th. 59—Park. 1168- 6—H Ox. viii. 4. 13— 
Barr. 123. 2— J. B. ii. 474. 1— Scheuch. 2. 8. B. D — Mont. 24. 
Bunch congregated, pointing one way. Floral-leaves only on the outside 
of the flowers, alternately winged, the rays ending in awns; one floret 
in each. Husk two-valved, two-flowered, membranous, very fine at the 
point. Blossom two valves, with an awn upon the outer point. Style 
cloven. Linn. 
The distinction of these two species may be assisted by remarking, that in 
the former the florets form a compact strap-shaped spike, from two to 
four inches long, and from a quarter to half an inch broad, but in this 
of an extra portion of siliceous particles, which likewise is supposed in some degree 
to occasion the glossy appearance of these parts of the plant. E.) The culms should 
be gathered in a green state, about the time of flowering, being then both tougher 
and more solid than when in more advanced maturity. The processes of splitting 
or cutting, scalding with hot water, bleaching, either by continued exposure to the sun, 
or, in a more summary manner, by the cautious application of sulphuric acid gas, are 
now well understood. The expence of cultivating any single species of these fine 
grasses (from weeding to keep out others), would scarcely repay the speculation; 
Mr. Sinclair, therefore, advises that several of the proper kinds, which come into flower 
at the same period, and affect similar soils, should be sown together. The manu¬ 
facture of British Leghorn is worthy the patronage of the fashionable world ; and 
under such auspices might become an object of almost national importance, as afford¬ 
ing an unobjectionable employment, not merely to women and children, but also 
to the aged and infirm, in their cottages, or in the fields ; and, therefore, in a moral 
point of view, far less deteriorating than the crowded and over-heated apartments 
of larger establishments. In the Orkneys more than a thousand people' are thus em¬ 
ployed. The objections raised against such employment, in that highly commendable 
work the “ Cottager’s Monthly Visitor,” (for July* 1826), seem equally applicable to the 
abuse of almost every other. The Crested Dog's-tail Grass is to be met with in abundance 
on high and exposed situations in most parts of England, but no where more so 
than on Lansdown, and other eminences around Bath, which are often white over 
with the exsiccated culms of this species. The occupier of Cheney Court, near Box, 
can give valuable information on this subject, which may likewise be obtained at the 
manufactory, Lansdown-road, Bath, where we have seen hats and bonnets of the most 
delicate texture, fully equalling in beauty and durability, the foreign Leghorn, but, 
from the tediousness of their^ preparation, not less expensive. We venture, however, 
to suggest, that several of the processes, and those among the least wholesome for 
manual operation, might be greatly facilitated by the application of the steam-engine ; 
and we would further submit to the consideration of those best capable of deciding, 
whether the very inconsiderable power requisite for such purpose, might not be ab¬ 
stracted from engines on board steam-packets, without impeding progress, and be thus 
occasionally, and profitably applied, by leisure hands? For particulars respecting 
the British Straw Plat, consult “Reports of the Society for bettering the Condition 
of the Poor;” “ Sinclair’s Ilortus Gramineus Woburnensis and “ Cobbetl’s Cottage 
Economy.” E.) 
