THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY Prom the collection of James Collins, Drumcondra, Ireland. Purchased, 1918. 594-9 W58e TO THE RIGHT HON. JOHN FOSTER; ^CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER, PRE- SIDENT OF THE FARMING SOCIETY OF IRELAND, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE DUBLIN SOCIETY, &C. &C, SIR, The many wise and salutary regu- lations, which you have made for the good of your country, the zeal which you have always evinced for the ad^ vancement of its agricultural interests, and the encouragement which you have given to every undertaking tend- ing to promote that end, are motives which would induce me, as an Irish- man, to select you as the person of ^Jl others under whose patronage I 4 2 would IV DEDICATION. would wish to place the following pages. But there are other motives which induce me to solicit your protection. There are private obhgations which I rejoice to have an opportunity of thus publicly acknowledging. To you I am indebted for the enjoyment of my present situation. It was you who first introduced me to that liberal and en- lightened body of Noblemen and Gen- tlemen whom I have now the happiness to serve. Through you I am enabled to cultivate that science which is the pride and comfort of my life. In short, you have on all occasions proved your- self my patron and benefactor. Permit me, therefore, to inscribe to you the following treatise, and however unwor- thy it may be of such an honor, I trust its 564.9 DEDICATION. V its object will be with you a sufficient apology for its imperfections; and that you will consider it as a small token of esteem, veneration and gratitude. I have the honor to be. With the greatest respect, SIR, Your most obliged, obedient. And very hijmble servant, JOHN WHITE, 404219 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015 https://archive.org/details/essayonindigenouOOwhit_0 PREFACE. The natural grasses produced in each country, and particularly in Ireland, whose mild, open, moist climate, and whose soil is by nature congenial to their growth, make no small class of its most beneficial although in gene- ral most neglected herbage. When we consider that the produce of milk, butter, beef, mutton, tallow, leather, wool, &c. &c. depends in a great measure upon the proper culti- vation of the indigenous grasses, any attempt to render them better known, and to improve that cultivation,^ can- not be uninteresting to the agricultu- rist ; for however useful those grasses which are called artificial may be, - they XiJt VllEVACE. they are by no means of equal im- portance with the natural produce of the country; for were there not such a variety of grasses growing in diffe- rent soils, springing and flowering at different seasons, and thriving best in various situations, we could expect but little from the cultivation of arti- ficial grasses, as they would be alto- gether inadequate to the support of our cattle. The choice and culture of natural grasses is a part of agriculture which our predecessors seemed to take little notice of. This may be justly attri- buted to their ignorance of their number and specific differences; for heretofore there were but very few natural grasses known to our ances- tors, or if known they have not been handed down to us in the native lansfuajj^e. 'J'hose they have taken notice of they seemed to rank in sets, and to each PREFACE. IX each of these sets they gave a name; but they seem to have had no name for the individuals of these sets. Thus under the name of Bruimsean, or Couch-grass^ they included Triticum repens, Poa pratensis, Holcus mollis, and all those grasses which have creeping roots. Briza media, Cyno- surus cristatus, and all those with small naked wiry stems, they ranked under the name of Cuisog^ or Trath^ nin. Lolium perenne, Lolium temu- lentum, and those with imbricated spike-like heads, they called Raith- leadh; and all coarse, harsh or strong grasses, such as Poa aquatica, Schoe- nus mariscus, Arundo colorata, and all the strong carices, they knew by the name of Feur seasglar. This ignorance of the number and specific differences of the grasses, was one great cause why their cultivation has been so much neglected by our predecessors. In order to remedy this b defect^ /" X PREFACE* defect, I have compiled the present generic and specific names in Irish for our indigenous grasses, that tliose unacquainted with Botany may know that under each of the common names there have been included a variety of different species. The cultivation of grasses at pre- sent is but in an infant state, and will continue so until Gentlemen ob- tain a knowledge of the different spe- cies, so as to be able to remark the various soils most congenial to their growth. For without this knowledge no scientific experiments can be per- formed, nor can their best assort- ments, or their true culture, be ascer-. tained. The mode of experiment which I would recommend, in order to ascer- tain the grasses that would constitute a good meadow in every soil and si- tuation, w^ould be the following. Suppose a farm which abounded with PREFACE. XI with hills, plains, vallies, &c. I would about the month of July, when most grasses are in flower, perambulate that farm. I would take a view of the moist meadows or low grounds, and note down those grasses which ap- peared most luxuriant. Where I found anj material difference in such situa- tions, I would naturally conclude there TOUst be a change in soil: I would therefore examine the soil in the dif- ferent places, according to the hixu- ■riance of the grasses. The declivities and their different aspects, on the summits and on the levels, in each part of the farm, I would also exa- mine; for, according to observations I have made in the Botanic gardens, and elsewhere, I find a material dif- ference between the luxuriance of many plants, from their not growing in the same situations. These remarks I would sum up, and from them conclude i^vhich were the most beneficial grasses, b 2 as XII PREFACE, as a mixture, for each soil. Then, if I did not choose to try my experiments on a large scale, I would break up a perch or more on the different soils, and sow those grasses which appeared to me when in flower most productive and beneficial for constituting a good meadow. By these experiments I would be enabled to judge of their future utility; and the result would deter- mine whether it would be advisable to break up the remainder of the different soils, and pursue the same methods. The agricultural advantages likely to result from the establishment of a Botanical garden, were wisely foreseen by the Dublin Society. These advan- tages we already experience; for it has been the cause of displaying a variety of grasses, which heretofore were un- noticed, or perhaps unknown, in this country. Every year since it was first instituted, additional discoveries have been PREFACE. XIII been made in the natural grasses, as well as in the other indigenous herbage. So anxious are Gentlemen to acquire a knowledge of the true grasses, that they wait impatiently for the time when the subject of this most useful tribe is discussed by the Professor* appointed by that spirited body of Noblemen and Gentlemen, the Dublin Society. The subject is handled in a manner which reflects equal honor on the Gentleman himself and on the Dublin Society; the talents and information which he displays, amply justify the choice which they have made. We may shortly expect to have some valuable additions made to the knowledge of our indigenous plants; as the taste for Botany is becoming very general, and is pursued by some with ardour and with efFeet. Trinity * Walter Wade, Esq. M.D, M.L.S. &c. &c. \ IV PREFACE. Trinity College has also established a Botanic garden, about a mile from tiie Castle, towards the east, and are making much progress towards its completion. Their present Professor* has been elected for the second time, and latterly almost unanimously; which circumstance fully demonstrates the high value set on this Gentleman's abilities by that antient seminary of learning, and that unwearied pains had been taken by him to promote this delightful study. There is also a Botanical garden e-stablislnng; at Cork ; and it is said Uiat similar ones are in contemplation elsewhere in the kingdom. Botanical gardens are among the jmost important institutions. They af- Iford us the means of acquiring a know^ledge of all the native plants, and as many of the foreign as can \ be * Robert Scott, Esq. M.D. &c. &€. PREFACE. XY be collected. Bj them we are ena- bled to discriminate the different spe- cies, and when discriminated to make trial of their utility. Without know- ing the different grasses, it is impos- sible to determine on their agricultural merit; or not being acquainted with the different herbage, to know their osconomical or medicinal use; or even were we in possession of all their virtues, what doth it avail, if we be incapable of selecting one species from another. The number of natural grasses in Ireland, as well as that of its other herbage, is as yet far from being fully known; nor is it likely to be disco-* vered until each county is separately botanized, and that at different sea^ sons of the year. For a tract of ground may be traversed by many, who are botanically acquainted with plants, yet new discoveries may be made by others who follow. WJmt XVI PREFACE What must Ireland, or even one county produce, when Howth, a small tract of ground contiguous to Dublin, containing about 900 acres, produces such varieties; and although often searched with diligence by many pro- fessed adepts in botany, yet scarce any return without a fresh discovery. This remark has also been made to me by a man whose general know- ledge of plants is scarcely to be equalled in the British dominions; and .to whose abilities I acknowledge mvself much indebted, for the many instructions I have received from him at the commencement of my botani- cal studies.* Many persons may be desirous of knowing the cause, and upon what foundation I have taken to compile generic and specific names in Irish for * Mr. Jolm Underwood, head gardener to the Right Jlon. and Hon. the Dublio Society. PREFACE. XVll for our mdigenous produce. 'J he rea- son of this I will explain. Having been enabled by the Dublin Society to make some excursions in search of plants, through the different parts of the kingdom, I got possession of many of their Irish names. Upon looking over these names some time after, and seeing the confused, irre- gular manner in which they stood, when compared with the Linnaean method, I thought from the language there could be a regular system formed. This I for some time kept in view. I then collected many of their old Irish names from such books, ancient and modern, as I could pro- cure. Some time after a book fell into my hands, the work of a Gen- tleman, an enlightened member of society, whose name will be ever held in veneration by the lovers of Gaelic, and to whom Ireland is in- G debted XVIII PREFACE. debted for rescuing from utter obli- vion its ancient tongue.* I was roused by the accounts given of this lan- guage, its copious and expressive terms, to carry on my former design of compiling the generic and specific names after the manner mentioned, following the Linnaean method as nearl}^ as possible. The scientific names, -which are marked by a circumflex, are given in the Irish character, and also in the Italic, for the use of those who may not be acquainted with the Irish let- ter. And those that follow are the synonimous names by which th^y are generally known. Seeing that a catalogue of the names, scientifically compiled, would appear rather bare, I proceeded fur- ther, so as to give generic and spe^ cific descriptions of each, in which I w^s * General Vallancey. PBBFAGIi. Xlt 0 was assisted by Wildenow's Species Plantaram, Smith's Flora Britannica, » and Hudson's Flora Anglica. I have also mentioned their natural habitats, and local places of growth, with the situations in which I have found them myself, and also the places iti which they have been found by others. Their manner of growth, time of flowering, duration and utility in mixtures, &c. I have given from experience and observations I have made on them for some years back. And according to the arrangement in the Botanic gardens, in that division called Pecudarium or Cattle division; as also from observations I have made in the neighbouring fields and else- where, I have mentioned the different species of cattle which eat or reject each grass. At a future time I intend pubhsh- ing an account of the Trees, Shrubs, c 2 and XX PREFACE. and herbaceous Plants, which are in- digenous to Ireland, on a plan similar to that of the Grasses, with the uses to which they were applied m medi- cine, &c. as appears from antient Irish manuscripts. I have had an opportunity of ac- quiring a knowledge of the medicinal yirtues of many plants, in my occa- sional excursions to the country, and from the numerous applications which have been made for herbs in the Botanic gardens for the purposes of medicine, and have always taken a memorandum of the plants applied for, how used, the disorder, their ef- fect, &c. However, the pubhcation of this work must be postponed until I am enabled to collect the proper ma- terials, such as their habitats, their uses in the diiferent provinces, their common Irish names, &;c. &c. SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. A. THOMAS Acton, Esq. Westaston. William Robert Adair, Esq. Brookfield. Henry Adair, Esq. Antrim, 2 copies. Mr. William Adams, Portglinone. Doctor Agnew, Ballyclare. Edward Jones Agnew, Esq. Kilwater. Samuel Allen, Esq. Ballymoney. Mr. John Allen, Collin. Mr. Hugh Anderson, Bushmills. Mr. Thomas Annesly, Bally kean. Captain Atkins, Arklow. B. Doctor Milner Barry. Mr, Thomas Barry, Wexford. Robert Battersby, Esq. Beleny. Mr. John Beal, Antrim. William Beamish, Esq. Rev. Doctor Beaufort, Collon. Doctor Bennet. George Binks, Esq. Croneyharn, John Blashford, Esq. Altidore. Mr. James Blow, Dunnadry. Mr. Robert Boston, Wexford. Wallop Brabazon, Esq. Dunneany, '2 copies, James Brown, Esq. M.D. Abbey-street, Rev. Thomas Brownrigg. Mr. James Burbridge, Arklow. Mr. xir SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. Mr. John Bull, Ballykean. Doctor Bullen. Thomas Burgh, Esq. Sackville-street, 4 copies. John J. Burke, Esq. M. D. Arran-quay. George Burlugh, Esq. Carrickfergus. Francis Burton, Esq. 36th regiment. Mr. Lawrence Byrne, Bonogruadh. Mr. Mark Byrne, Ballyarthur. Mr. Daniel Byrne. C. Rev. Robert Campbell, Templepatrick. Archdeacon Carey. Roger Casimont, Esq. Ballymena. Right Hon. Lord Castlecoote, Leopardstovvn. Mr. William Chain, Antrim. James Chrichly, Esq. Grangebeg. Mr. Stafford Church, Ballymena. George Clarke, Esq. M.D. James Clarke, Esq. Rutland-square. Mr. Joseph Clarke, Q-uarry-lane. William Clements, Esq. Coolbeg. Christopher Clinch, Esq. Abraham Coates, Esq. Wicklow. Doctor Colles. Richard Cotter, Esq. Coolawinna. William Colvill, Esq. Cavendish-row. John Connel, Esq. Belfast. Gilbert Conroy, Esq. Clonake. Mr. James Cooper, Nursery-man, Rosehill. Mr. John Costnett, Rathfarnham, 6 copies. William Cotton, Esq. Mr. John Courtney, Ballymoney. Mr. Thomas Coyle, Athgoe. Mr. Samuel Crawford, Portglinone. Mr. Thomas Crawford. William Crawford, Esq. SyBSCEIBJSUS NAMES. XXIII John Cromie, Esq. Coranore. John Crossthwaite, Esq. Mr. Samuel Cunningham, Ballym^na. Mr. John Cunningham, Ballynjena. Mr. John Curill, Ballymena. Miss Cuiran, Priory. John Cuthbert, Esq. B. Mr. Robert Darlington, Bullfort, John Davison, Esq. Cully backey. Bernard Delany, Esq Castle Darra. Rev Doctor Dealtry,, Dunganstown glebe. James Dickey, Esq. Ballymena. Thomas Dickey, Esq. Baliytnena. ^ Messrs. Gillelan and Dickson, Ballymena. Mr. William Dickson, Ballymena. Rev. Robert Disney, Glassnevin, 2 copies. William R. Dobbs, Esq. Carrickfergus. Mr. Patrick Donegan, Capel -street, 4 copies. Master John Donegan, Capel-street, 2 copies. Mr. David Douglass, Bantra. Mr. Edward Dowling, jun. Droghtda. The Bishop of Down, Portglmone, 4- copies. Mr. Nicholas Downey, Belfast. Mr. William Dowse, Springfield. Surgeon Doyle, Arran-quay. Mr. Frederick Drought. Mr. Adam Duffin, Broughshane. Watkins Dunn, Esq. Winetavern-street* Hely Dutton, Esq. E. Mr. James Edmonston, Ballymena, John Egan, Esq. Dunmore. Thomas Egan, Esq. M.D. Sackville-street. Mr. Etkins. James XXIV SUBSCRIBERS IS^AMES. James Agnew Farrell, Esq. Larne. Mr. William Fawcett, Seapark. William Ferguson, Esq. Ballyclare. Mr. John Fiizsimons, King-street. Rev. John Fitzsimoiis, Ballyraena. Rev. John Fortescue. The Right Hon. John Foster, Chancellor of the Exche- quer, CoUon^ 20 copies. Major General Freeman. John Smith Furlong, Esq. G. William Gabbat, Esq. Mr. William Gait, Dough. Doctor Gibbons. Mr. William Gibson, Ballymena. H. Giffard, Esq. 10, Fitzwilliam-street. John Gouldsbury, Esq. Longford. Mr. John Goodkin, Callinacarrig. Mr. John Grange, Ballyraan. F"ranc:s Gregory, Esq. Blackhall-street. Mr. Graves, nurseryman to the Rt. Hon, John Foster. Collon. Mr. James Grubb, Clonmeli. H, William Halliday, Esq, William Orr Hamilton, Esq. 4 copies. John Hamilton, Esq. Assistant Secretary to the Ri^ht Hon. and Hon. the Farming Society pf Ireland. Rev. William Hamilton, Ballymena. Mr. Robert Hanhjy, Carrlckfergus. Mr. Edward Hardall, Britain-street. William Hargraft, Esq. Chapelizod. Michael Harrison, Esq. Ballymena. Rev. John Hartley, Grace-hill. Mr. Edward Hay, Church-street, 3 copies. Mr. SUBSCIllBERS NAMES. XXV Mr. Thomas Henderson, Kilbria. Alexander Henry, Esq. Ballyraoney. Colonel Hill, Rockfield. Rev. Thomas D. Hinks. Mr. Edward Hodgins, Nursery -man, Dunganstown, 3 copies. William Hoey, Esq. Strangford. Mr. William Hogg, Portglinone. Mr. Gerald Hope, Abbey-street. Walter Hore, Esq. Seafield. Edward Houghton, Esq. N. Frederick-str.eet, Adam Hunter, Esq. Coleraine. George Hutchinson, Esq. Ballymonej, Mr. Edward Hutton, Ballynacarrig. Mr. John Hutton, Summer-hill. Langford Hylands, Esq. Glenoake. Mr. Charles Hyndman, Ballymenae I. G. D. Irvine, Castle-Irvine. Mr. James Jackson, Broomvilla. Mr. John Johnston, Portglinone. Thomas Harris Jones, Money-glass, George Joy, Esq. Belfast. K. Mathias J. Kelly, Esq. JamesVstreet. Mr. John Kennedy. Mr. J. Kennedy, Ratoath. Captain Keoghe, Wicklow. Stewart King, Esq. Rev. P. Kinsela, Harold's-cross. L. Peter Digges Latouche, Esq. Gustavus Lambert, Esq. Beaupark. 'i homas Lee, Esq. M.D. William Lefanu, Esq. d Mastec XXVI SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. Master Joseph Lefanu, Glasnevin. William Leggs, Esq. Malone. Christopher Leynns, Esq. Rev. S. C. Littlehales. Mr. James Logan, Ballymena. John Longfield, Esq. Mr. John Love, Ballymena. Mi*. John Lyttle, Portglinone. M. Mr. Alexander Mackay, Greenmount, Mr. Alexander Makenzie, Dungannon, Rev. George Macartney, Whitehall. Patrick Mackin, Esq. A. B. T.C.D. Mr. John Mackin, Ballyconolly. Mr. John Mackin, Thomas-street. Mr. William M*Auley, Ballymena. Captain M'Dugull, Antrim, 2 copies. Justin McCarthy, Esq. Bucknall McCarthy, Esq. Assistant Secretary to the Dublin Society. James M'Cabe, Esq. M. D. Mr. John M'Cleland, Longford. William M'Clure, Esq. Belfast. William M'Canna, Esq. Belfast. John M'Comis, Esq. Belfast. Mr. Pat. M'Kenna, Drogheda. Mr. William M'Master, Belfast. John M'Namara, Esq. Anderson's-court. Alexander M'Neill, Esq. Ballycastle. Alexander M'Peak, Esq. Ballymena. Mr. James Magill, Kose-hill. Francis Manning, Esq. Drakestown. Mr. William Martin, Planter to the Right Hon. John Foster, Col Ion. Arthur Martin, Esq. Rev. Arthur Martin, CoUon, 2 copies. Edward SUBSCllIBERS NAMES. XXVIX Edward May, Esq. jun. Belfast. The Countess of Mazarene, Antrim. Mr. John Meniss, Antrim. Mr. John Miller, Ballymena. Michael Millar, Esq. John Mills, Esq. Wicklow. B. MoUoy, Mellicent. Hugh Montgomery, Esq., Benwarden. Robert Moore, Esq. Richmond. Sampson Moore, Esq. Ballymena. James Stewart Moore, Esq. Ballymoney, 2 copies. George Moore, Esq. Ballymoney. Mr. Michael Muldcon, Budder and Grafter to the Right Hon. John Foster, CoUon. N. J. C. Newingham, Esq. Mr Joseph Nicholl, Cullybackey. George Nolan, Esq. Right Hon. Lord Norbury. Mr. Michael Norton, Hacketstown. Rev. John Nowlan, Willsborough, John Nuttail, Esq. O. Sir Edward O'Brien, Bart. Dromoland. Donough O'Brien, Esq. Counsellor at Law, Connel O'Hara, Esq. Ballymoney. Mr. Peter O'Rielly, Killincarrick. Sir Hugh O'Rielly, Bart. Thomas Herbert Orpin, Esq. M. D. Mr. Samuel Orson, Den mark- street. P. Mr. John Patrick, Ballymena. Francis Penrose, Esq. Ballykean. Mr. Joseph Pim, Wicklow. d 1? Mr. XXVIII SUBSCRIBERS XAMZS. Q. Mr. J. Quinn, Grangegorman-lane. R. Mr. John Rainey, Ballymena. Mr. James Reed, Baliymartin. William Revell, Esq. Ball^-money. John Revill, Esq. Seapark. Mr. John ReviU, Kilmacrea. William Ridge way, Esq. Mr. John Roarke, Flower Gardener to the Right Hon. John Foster, Col Ion. Mr. William Robinson, Nursery-man, Kilkenny, S. Mr. Patrick Savage, Eokon-street. Mr. Nicholas Savage, Henrietta-street. Robert Scott, Esq. M.D. Professor and Lecturer on- Botany to Trinity College. Mr. David Scott, Mary-street. Mr. Robert Sharp, Westaston. Mrs. Shaw, Carrickfergus. Hugh Sheill, Esq. Cottage. Mr. William Sheppard, Oatlands. Mr. John Sheppard, Ballymurrin. William Sherlock, Esq. Mr. William Shine, Hardwicke-street. William Simms, Esq. Belfast. John Simmons, Esq. Messrs. Benjamin and Thomas Simpson, College-green, 3 copies. Thomas Smith, Esq. Craddockstown. William Smith, Esq. Lisburn. Nathaniel Sneyd, Esq. Sackville-strcet. James Stun, Esq. Antrim. Haywood St. Leger, Esq. Hays St. Leger, Esq. Mr. SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. XXIX ?*lr. James Swan, Island riagh. Mr. Bartholomew Sweeny, Rathdrura. Rev. Henry Syrams. The Rt. Hon. the Dublin Society, 50 copies. The Rt. Hon. the Farming Society of Ireland, 50 copies. T. William Tenant, Esq. Belfast. George Tisdall, Esq. Edward Tuke, Esq. Stephen's-green. Thomas Tyrell, Esq. Kilreny. U. Mr. John Underwood, Head Gardener in the Bublift Society's Botanic Gardens, at Giasnevirt. Colonel Vesey. W. Luke Wall, Esq. Steevens'-hospital. Surgeon Walsh, 49th Regiment, Rev. Robert Walsh, Finglass. Mr. James Walsh, Excise Officer, Drogheda^ William Walsh, Esq. Glenarm. Mr. James Watt, Ballyclose. Thomas Weaver, Esq. Cronebane. Samuel Whiteside, Esq. Springfield. Thomas Williams, Esq. Bank of Ireland, William Williams, Esq. Antrim. Henry Wray, Esq. Bushmills. Jackson Wray, Esq. Ballyniena, Mr. John Wright^ Dunganstowo. Y. Mr. William Young, Ballyraena. a:bbreviations explained. Cal. calyx. Cor. corolla, A. annual. P. perennial. Ob. observations. Fl. Dub. Flora Dubliniensis. 31, line 7, for abhac read abhach. 32, line 6, for robheg read robheg. 37, line 2, /or gjldgf^tt read 5tlUCt5fe|t. 42, line 12. /or -f|telO)5^f |l read Yi]HOjSj^e-fi 43, line 13, /or J|telO)5^'?|l read Ti]HOj'Sj^f'f%^ ERRATA. 20, li 22, li 31, i; ne 19, cfter inches insert , ine 6, for fomewhat rough. TEIANDEIA DIGYNIA. ' 21 rough. Stamens double the length of the glumes. Style feather-like, (landing out from the fides. AGROSTIS. Cal, 2 valvcdj i flowered, rather fmaller than the blolTom. Summits fet lengthways with (liffiKh hairs. (i) Wii/j Jzuns, A. Calyx egg-fliaped ; valves nearly equal ; awn eanh bent, twice the length of the corolla, fixed juft below its middle; (lems proftrate, fomewhat branching:. Moid meadows, pafturcs, and m the vallies of mountain grounds. Marfhy fituations at the foot of the Dublin mountains, and liowth, county of Dublin. Moift meadows about Collon and Tinure, county of Louth, Common in fimilar fituations. Were the farmer or grazier acquainted with this grafs, and obferved, by their cattle, what nourifh- ment it affords to fome fpecies in the vallies of theix mountain grounds, and in their low moid meadows, they would not perhaps pafs it over fo ofteu unnoticed. They' are not aware that this fpecies , TRIANDRIA DIGrNIA. fpecies is a great mean of fupplying them with good mutton, miik, &c. ; and although a fmali grafs, it is more beneficial to them than many more lofty which furrou«d it. It is a low growing grafs, producing much foliage, which is very fine, and has one good peculiarity, that of growing in the dead feafon, when others more noticed lie dormant. As a meadow grafs, no way defirable : as a pafture grafs, very acceptable in mfoifl: low meadows or boggy grounds. Cows and horfes eat it. P. July> Irish. \ i.Taenfber donn, Ei^GLiSK.— Brown Bent-grafs. Ob. Stems decumbent, from one to two feet, fomewhat branched, fmooth, leafy. Leaves rough on each fide. Panicle elongated, often from four to five inches upright : little branches clofe, in- clining to a purple. Calyx y valves nearly equal, coloured, nearly double the length of the corolla. Awn briftle-like, white, upright, marked with a brown knot towards the middle, double the length of the corolla, and fixed juft beneath its middle. (2) Without XillANDIlIA DIGYNIA. (2) Without Jwns. A. Panicle, little branches fpreading, awnlefs ; stok-tiifcra. flems creeping: calyx, valves equal, lance- fliaped, pubefcent. It IS a very common grafs in moifl meadows, paftur^s, and on cold fliiF arable lands. This grafs increafes very fafi: by rooting at each joint, getting to a confiderable length, and furnifhing amazingly at bottom before it rifes for flower. Then it fends forth flowering flems in abundance^ which, from their debility, and the want of other grafles as a fupport, prefs down on the under foliage which had become fo prolific whilfl: enjoy- i»g ,the air. Thus, in a little time, this under foliage is excluded from air and fun, and, from having been in fuch perfe(flion and high verdure, fiiortly after it becomes yellov/, and is fcalded by jhe multiplicity and preflTure of the flowering ftems, there remaining no verdure but that part which appears on the furface. I have remarked, when treating on the Phleum pratenfe, that were this grafs cultivated with it, as the fame foil and lituation agree with both, an advantage might refult therefrom. For the Phleura pratenfe being a itrong 54- THIAKBRIA BIGYXIA. a drong grafs from the time it begins to fpring for flower, it would gradually fupport the debi- lity of the other, and admit air and fun to the under-foliage, which would prefcrve an elTential part thereof without injury to itfclf. As the Agroflis flolonifera is a grafs which is fine both in leaves and flems, it would anfwer in mixture with, and qualify the coarfer Phleum. The Phleum pratenfe might alfo with propriety be cut when the Agrodis ilolonifera is in perfection, for I con- ceive it beft to cut the Phleum pratenfe before it gets in full perfeaion, as then it becomes hard and mrj. The iVgroflis (tolonifera is a grafs that freely admits of, and will thrive in mixture with moft others. It would be a valuable grafs to cul- tivate in worn out bogs, or even bogs not ex- hauded, if the furface be flrd: fkinned and burnt, as it would fpeedily form a fod and become a defirable pafture. In Mr. J.T. Mackay's catalogue of rare plants, there is a paragraph which men- tions the mode of culture, the utility, and pro- duce of this grafs in fome of the wedern parts of this ifland, which 1 think worthy of infertion, for the benefit of ihofe who perhaps may have and wiih to reclaim fimihir grounds. " Samuel Connys, Efq. has land on the Cunnamara coafl, a great TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. 25 great deal of which is noW in an uncultivated ftate, being chiefly tutf bog. In this ftate the principal plants that grow upon it are, Erica vulgaris, and McUca cserulea, a coarfe grafs that cattle are not fond of. He Is reclaiming this by degrees^, by the application of fea fand, which is on that part of the coaft a mixture of fea fhells and granitic particles. He in the firft place has the ground njade fomewhat even, and then the fand laid upon it ; fometimes a mixture of fand and fea weed is applied. The firft crop he grows IS potatoes in beds ; the fecond crop is barley or oats, which are generally very good; and the third year the land produces fpontaneoufly a good crop of hay, chiefly compofed of Agrojiis ftohnifera^ a number of the plants of which are probably brought with the fand, and in that fliort fpacc of time overrun the whole furface. Mr. Connys has never obferved a plant of it in flower, although he frequently has had feveral acres of it growing together. An acre of land thus reclaimed will produce two ton of excellent hay, worth from four to five pounds per ton. Agrojiis Jiolontfera is a remark- ably fweet and juicy grafs, and cattle of every fort arc fond of it, when made into hay.'* 26 TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. In the interior parts of the country, hay is fe- leaed where the greatefl quantity of the Agroftis ftolonifera is, that it may be preferved for making hay water as drink for eows, to increafe their milk» It is alfo given to young calves in mixture with new milk, and confidered very nourilliing. There is a. variety of this grafs with filver-ftriped leaves, which I have met with growing. F. July. Aug, and part of Sept. ^^^^I^TaenfherForfn. Foraon, Fiorin, Forin, Ei^GLisH.— Creeping UenUgrafs. Black Squitch- grafs. Ob. Roots perennial, fibrous, branching much. Sfenu decumbent, branching, leafy, putting forth roots from its numerous joints as they advance, then getting jipright. Leaves from i to 3 inches long, veined/ rough on each fide, broad in pro- portion to the length. Sheath^fcale many cleft. Panicle from 3 to 5 inches long, upright, com- paa: Branches from half an inch to an inch long^ crowded with florets down to the union with the main Rem. Caly^c, valves equal, bluntifti, keeled, inclining to purple, pubefcent outfide: Corolla fliorter TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. 27 fliarter than the calyx: valves unequal, blunt, awnlefs, A. Panicle clumfy, rather fpreading: branches, marltma, longer ones naked ; Ihorter ones crowded with florets at the bafe: calyx, inner valve fmooth ; outer ferrulated upwards. It generally grows on moid: banks along the xoafl:. Banks along the S.W. fide of Howth, county of Dublin. On the banks along the coaft .between Green-caftle and Kirkeel, county of Down. This grafs is by no means an indifferent one. I have not feen it cultivated in any great quantity, fo as to form a jud opinion as to its agricultural merit ; however upon the fmall fcale in which feveral of the graifes arc cultivated in the Botanic Gardens, this appears not unworthy of notice, as it is as luxuriant there as in its natural foil. On the banks on the fea fliore, this grafs, from its long flems and abundant foliage, would appear to be extremely productive ; and I make no doubt but it might turn out a valuable fpecies, if cultivated in the interior of the country. p. June. July. V. 2 Irish, r 2$ TRIANDRIA DIGVNIA. Irish, f^*^^^!'*'^*'*'^- XTaenfher mar a. English.—- 5^^ Bent-grqfs. Ob. Stems creeping, ftriking out fibres from the joints, then afcending. Leaves^ and ftieaths, rough. Panick from 3 to 4 inches, coinpaf^. Calyxy inner valve fmooth; outer valve ferrulated towards the top. Corolla^ outer vake narroweft, and near half as fhort as the inner. alha, A. Panicle loofe : calyx, glumes equal, rough on the keel, awnlcfs : ftems creeping. It grows in bogs, marftics, and wet places. Marfhy fituations at Balalla, and along the foot of the Dublin mountains, county of Dublin. — Marfliy and wet fituations about Rabran, Tinurc and Mount Oriel, near Collon, county of Louth. As a paflure grafs in fuch fituations it is not un- profitable, being abundant in foliage and fiems, and endures the fcverity of winter and drought of fummer amazingly. As a meadow grafs not worthy of cultivation. Small cattle cat it. p. July. Irish. TRIANDRlA BIGYNIA. 29 Irishx ; ' I Taenfher ban, English. — White Bent-grafs* Ob. Roots perennial. Stems trailing at the bafe: under ones putting forth fibres from the joints, leafy, fmooth. Leaves rough. Sheath even, with a blunt bifid flieath-fcale fometimes appearing rent-like. Panicle compaft, bearing flowers clofely from the bafe to the top. Calyx, valves equal, acute, green, rough on the keel. Corolla fliorter than the calyx ; valves unequal, acute. Anthers^ violet colour, A. Panicle fpreading: branches ftradling, hair- vulgaris, like, bare at the bafe: calyx valves equal: corolla, inner valve blunt, half the fize of the outer. Common in dry fandy foils, and on the fides of hills. About Finglas quarries, Feltrum hill, Knockmarron hill, and Howth, county of Dublin. This grafs is fine in its leaves, ftems, and panicle j it is more defirable as a pafturc grafs than as a meadow. Its fmall fize, and very flender ftems, give us an unfavourable opinion of its worth as a meadow grafs. It grows abundantly in fandy fields along the fea fliore, and even there has nothing 30 TRIAXDRIA DIGYNIA. nothing to recommend it except the beauty of its appearance, nor do better graffes thrive when in mixture with it. Julr* I ISH 5^^^^^^^^ COJCCjOH. * \ T aenfher coHchien, Ei^GLisn.— Common Bent-grafs. Ob. Roots fibrous. Stems about i foot, up- right, fmooth, ftriated, leafy. Leaves narrow, acute, fomewhat rough. Sheath very long, with a veryfhort fheath-fcale which runs down the flieath, and appearing as if gnawed. Panicle upright, fpreading, inclining to purple: branches hair-like, extending and fubdivided by 2 or 3 forked lefTer divifions. Calyx, valves nearly equal, acute, awn- lefs, purple at the bafe and round the edges. Corolla, outer valve twice the length of the inner, nearly equal to the calyx: inner valve blunt, fmooth. A. Panicle nearly pointing in one direaion, awn« lefs : ftems upright, in bundles. It grows in poor barren grounds. Howth, and the illand of Lambay, county of Dublin. This grafs, although never riling to any great fize, is very prolific, and produces foliage in abundance^ TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. abundance. It is far preferable to the former, as it continues in verdure longer, and is earlier in its fpring. It would do well for pafture, but is not adapted for meadow. P. July. Irish S^^^^i^^^^ l)ctc. * Taenfher abhac, English. — Dwarf Bent-grafs. Ob. Roots many. Sums in many bundles, fmooth, about two fmall finger lengths, and fur- niftied with leaves refembling thofe of the roots. Sheath flriated, fomewhat rolled inwards. Panicle very much fpreading and fomewhat pointing one way. Florets coloured, awnlefs, ending in a fmall point. A. Panicle threadfliaped, awnlefs ; bloffora minium. hairy. It grows in dry barren places. I have found this grafs in the month of September, without a grain of feed in the panicle, on a dry bank, about two miles fouth of Tuam, county Galway — and in June faplefs, and full of feed, along the fouth fide of Mount Oriel j and on the lands of Mulla- ruagh, near Collon, county Louth. It has alfo been found, flowering in Auguft, near the fummit of Si TRIANDRI A DIGYNIA. of Lcttery mountain, Ballinahinch, Cunnamara. See Dr. Wade's Flantas Rariores. A. March. April, Irish. ^^"^^"'^^^^^ \jTaenfher robheg, English. — Leajl Bent-grafs. Ob. Roots annual, very llender. Stems from 1 to 3 inches, nearly upright, without knots, thread-ihaped. Leaves moftly from the bafc, linear, blunt, folded, running down the Iheath in a Ikinny-like fubftance. Panicle very llender, upright, fimple, terminating; the flowers pointing one way. Calyx^ valves equal, keeled, fliining, blunt. Corolla fliorter than the calyx, hairy,^ veined, gnawed-like at top. AIRA. CaL 2.valved, 2-flowercd': without any inter- vening fubftance between the florets, (i) Flowers dwnlefs. A. Panicle fpreading: florets without awns, fmooth, longer than the calyx; leaves fiat. It grows generally on the margins of pools, ftanding^^ TRIANDRIA DIGYKIA. ftanding waters, and in muddy ftreams. In ditches each fide of the Royal Canal from the North road to the Obfervatory — along the ditches from the turnpike to Glafnevin, county of Dublin. Very common in fimilar fituatlons. This is a very defirable grafs, could it bear cultivation out of watery fituations, but it will not; for it has re- peatedly been tried in the Botanic Gardens, and from the time of its removal, notwithflanding regular watering, declines, and feldom appears in the enfuing feafon. It produces much foliage from its long (lems, which ftrike out fibres from the joints ; and it fends forth flowering ftems in abundance. It is much reliflied by horned cattle and horfes ; and they often run great riiks in quell of it, eating it down even below the furface of the water. I have frequently feen cows and horfes wade to a confiderable depth in water and mud, feeding with avidity on this grafs, and in deep places they would even venture beyond their depth in browling on it, fo attracting is this fpecies to their appetite. Sheep, cows, and horfes eat it. P. June. July. F Irish, S4 TKIAN^DRIA DIGYKIA. \Gruagfhsr uifge, English. — Water Hair grafs. Ob. Rooti creeping, with very long whitc^ fibres. Stems very long, floating when in water, branched : putting forth fibres from the joints of the under branches, leafy, uprigh-t at top. Leaves flat, fmooth. Sheath fcale flender, white, fhort, entire. Panicle upright, fomewhat in whirls: little branches unequal, fpreading, fmooth, con- taining many flowers. Calyx-^ valves unequal, inclining to purple : outer one with three nerves at the bafe. Corolla^ valves' equal, nerved, folded, fhining at top, blunt. cristata. A. Panicle fpike-like: calyx fomewhat hairy, rather 3 -flowered, longer than the little fruit- flalks : corolla valves unequal, terminating, awn-like^ Plentiful along the banks, the eaft and fouth fides of Howth, county Dublin. On ditch banks- rrear Cahir, at the bottom of the Galty moun- tains,, county Tlpperary. Mr. J. T. Mackay's Catalogue of rare Plants. This grafs is not adapted for meadow, as it is fliort both in its foliage and flcmsj it might anfwer as a paflure grafa TlUANDR r A DIG YNIA, 3^ grafs on high grounds, intermixed with others, as it is capable of withftanding drought ; and it would be acceptable as a variety to fome fpecies of cattle in dry feafons, when other herbage is isjured by drought and heat in fuch places. P. July. Aug. Irish. ^^^^^^S^^^''^ ci^^Hcxa. l^Gruagfher cinnach, English. — Crejied Hair-grafs. Ob. Roots matted. Ste?ns upright, i foot, leafy, and curved at the bafe, fmooth and quite flraight above. Leaves hnear, fmooth, fomewhat rigid, with long flieaths, but fliort flieath-fcales* 'Panicle fpike-like, about 2^ inches, upright, clofe: peduncles branched, pubefcent, having each floret fitting, on a very fliort ere^H: fruit- ftalk. Corolla^ outer valve fimilar to the calyx : inner valve more flender but fomethin? fiiorter« and both pointed. (2) Florets awned. A, Panicle large, wide fpreading : petals awned cmplwsfi, and woolly at the bafe: awn flraight, fliort: leaves flat. It generally grows in moift meadows and - V 2 woods. V 50 TRIAXDRIA DIGYXIA. woods. Howth and Dublin mountains along the vallieSj and along the banks of the canal from the Crofs guns to Cadleknock — low meadows at Scribbleftown, Santrywood, and about Feltrum, county of Dublin. This is a very coarfe grafs, and the rougheft of all the grafTes which grow in paflure or meadow grounds, and therefore very unacceptable to cattle, for in general they do not touch it unlefs forced by hunger. It is very abundant in leaves, but not in flowering (lems* It often occupies much ground, and is very apt to grow in tufts, occafioning irregularities on the furface of meadows, which appear very difagree- able, and it often occupies much ground which might be made to produce better gralTes. Far- mers' boys are very often annoyed when going barefooted through ground this grafs inhabits, as the (harp edges of its leaves coming acrofs-the bare legs often leave them as if fcarified, and by drawing the leaves through the hand are very apt to cut, and that imperceptibly. It is a grafs no way defirable either for meadow or paflure. Cows, goats and fwine eat it. Horfes are not fond of it. P. July. Irish. TRIANDllIA DIGYMIA. 37 I Qruagfher fgrathagach, English. — Ttirfey Hair-grafs, Hafocks, Rough- caps, Bulls -faces, Ob. Roots fibrous, clofely matted. Stems 3 feet, upright, even, leafy, two-knotted. Leaves fiat, narrow-pointed, ftifF, nerved; underneath even, nerved and rough above; root-leaves widely fpreading, fiieathing. Sheath-fcale elongated, acute, bifid. Panicle before expanflon drooping and pointing one way, but when in flower widely fpreading. very much branched, and of a beau- tiful purple filk appearance. Calyx, valves forae- what equal, rough. Corolla, valves fmooth, villous at the bafe: outer one widefl, gnaweddikc at top. Awns fliort, feldom longer than the glumes. There is a variety of this grafs with fcarce any awns, which grows in the woods about CoIIon, on the improvements of the Right Hon. John Fofter. ^ A. Panicle flradling, three-forked: fruit-flalks fle. zigzag: leaves briule-fbaped: ftems almoft naked; awns knee-bent. | It grows in heaths, woods, on rocky and bar- ren places. Howth, Dublin mountains, and fountains 3n TfllANDPtlA BIGYNIA. mountains of Wicklow. Mount Oriel and Wind- mill-hill near Collon, county of Louth: as alfo on the Saddle and Trumpet mountains, and mountains of C^rlingford in faid county. As a meadow grafs, this fpecies could not ^t- tra£t the notice of the farmer, for it delights on mountain grounds on the furface of rocks, where it makes a very good appearance, but when taken from fuch places and planted on levels or low grounds, it makes but very little progrefs, as I have experienced in the Botanic Garden. In mountain grounds it is no unprofitable grafs, as it will grow on rocks and declivities, where other graffes would fail; and in fuch fituations I have frequently feen it eaten down by cattle, which were chiefly flieepj and I make no doubt but it is a fpecies they relifli much. Sheep, horfes, and cows eat rt. ^* )^^7'' Irish. -< n ^ r ^ 7 - LGruagfher fmmhain. English.— Z/^z^^ Hair-grafs, Ob. Roots fibrous. Stems from 1 to i i feet, almoft raked, upright, fmooth, with one knot towards the bafe. Leaves briflle-fiiaped, wide- Spreading, {heathing at the bafe, with a fliort- blunt TllIANDlltA DIGYNIA. 'blunt bifid llieath-fcale. Panicle 3. Forked, fpread- ing, few-flowered; branches rough, changing their dire6lion in a curve; flowers hairy at the bafe, placed on alternate upright fruit-ftalks. Glumes^ all nearly of a length, gnawed-like at top : inner valve of the corolla narrowed, and hairy at the bafe. Awn knee-bent, twifted, half as long again as the blolTom, and placed near its bafe, A; Panicle fpike-like: florets fitting, awned at pmcox, the bafe : leaves brifHe-Hkc : Iheaths angular, furrowed. This delicate grafs is to be met with on dry commons, and on bare rocky grounds. On dry heaths and rocks, at the foot of the Dublia mountains, Howth, Lambay, and Ireland's-eye, county of Dublin — on the rocks about Culfuar, Tinure, and Monefterboyce, county of Louth. It is a handfome delicate low grafs, of little confequence to the farmer, except that early in the fpring it may cover a part of his grounds which abounds with rocks, and may be accept- able to flieep, or other of his fmall cattle, at that feafon. A. May. Irish, TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. Irish. jSr^""^^''^ tGruagfher moch. English. — Zarly Hair-grafs* Ob. Roots fibrous, fmall. Stems upright, from 2 to 3 inches, and in fertile grounds often 6 inches high. Lean^es briftle-fliaped : thofe From the root foon withering: thofe on the ftcms with long flieaths. Sheaths furrowed, with blunt Iheath-fcales. i^/(?r^/f fitting. C^/y^r, valves nearly equal, naked at the bafe: outer valve with a briftle-like knee-bent awn, nearly twice the length of the calyx, placed on the back a little below the middle. em^ophylha, A. Panicle fprcading: florets diftant, fitting, awnedj leaves briftle-like. This grafs grows in the fame fituations with the former. Its only fuperiority over the Aira praecox is, that it is nearly three times its fizc. It is, however, from its filvery appearance, no unfightly grafs amongft a colle6lion. A, June. Irish. TRlANDRIA DIGYNIA. 41 Irish. jSt^^^SF^ ^j^SP- f^Gniagfher airgid, English. — Silvery Hair-grafs, Ob. Roots fmall, fibrous. Ste?7is from 4 to 12 inches, branched at the bafe, fmooth. Leaves bridle-fliaped ; thofe at the bafe foon decaying, but not falling off : thofe on the ftems with long fheaths and fpear-fliaped elongated ilieath-fcales. Panicle terminating, dividing by threes and widely fpreading : florets fitting, fliorter than the calyx. Corolla^ valves fliining at top ; outer valve with a knee-bent bridle like awn, placed on the back a little below its middle, and which is longer than the calyx. MELICA. CaL 2.valved, 2-flowered, with a little fubflance on a pedicle betwixt the florets. M. Panicle thinly fet: calyx 2-flowered: one unijiora. floret hermaphrodite, the other neuter. It grows in woods and fiiady glens. Abun- dantly in Luttreirs-town wood, county of Dublin. G About 42 TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. About Cong, at the fubtcrraneous river, county of Galway — along a glen between Ballyleddy and Newtown-Kennedy, county of Down. Shady woods and mountains about Knappcn, Glenarm, and low glens, county of Antrim. In woods and fliady glens this grafs furniflies much leaves, and may be acceptable to cattle which retire to fliade in fummer during the fun's meridian each day, but as a paflure or meadow grafs of no great value. P. June. July. Irish. \ LMeloigfher aonbhlatba. English. — One-flowered Melic-grafs. Ob. Roots fibrous. Sterns from i to \\ feet. Leaves flat, rough underneath and on their edges„ Sheaths about half the length of the leaves, with blunt fheath-fcales which alTume dilFerent forms. F ankle upright, few flowered; little fruit-ftalks pointing one way; lower ones in pairs. C^/y.T purple; valves nearly equal, fmooth, awnlefs, nerved, containing one fertile flower. M. Panicle clofe: flowers upright, cylindrical. Common in boggy meadows and paftures. This grafs is common in moll bogs, but the harflinefs of TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. 43 of Its leaves and ftems, which are not very pro- ductive, renders it of very little confequence to the farmer. It may however contribute with other graffes to form a cover in bogs, and in fuch fituations is not without utility. A variety (pa- nicula pallida) was obferved growing in a bog near the houfe of Ralph Marftiall, Efq. at Cal- naferry, county of Kerry, and in various other parts of that county. Mr. J. T. Mackay's Cata- logue of rare Plants. Horfes^ flieep, and goats e?Lt it, P. Aug. tMeloigfher corcuir, Ei^GLisH,^ Purple Mdic-grafs. Ob. Roots bulbous, with thick twifled fibres. Stems from i to li feet, upright, ftiff, cylindri- cal, fmooth, leafy, with one knot towards the bafe, but naked at top. Leaves ftiff, acuminated, lightly rough, with a few very fliort hairs on the flieath-feale. Panicle upright, branched, clofc i flowers upright, cylindrical. Calyx 3-flowered, fometimes four, purple : the two under florets fertile. A pedicle knobbed at the end rifes from betwixt the florets. Anthers dark purple. G 2 POA. TRIANDRI A DIG YNIA. POA. C^/. 2-valved5 many-flowered: ^/^^/j cgg-fhaped : valves /liinny at the edge, rather acute. aquatica. P. Panicle upright, fpreading: fpikets ftrap- fhaped, 6-flowered : leaves fword-fliaped. It grows in marfhes, and along the banks of rivers. Along the edges of the Grand canal from James's-ftreet to Ringfend, and from James's- ftreet to Salens, county of Dublin. This is a very good grafs, and although very flrong look- ing, is very tender and foft in its flems and fo- liage fending forth both in abundance. There are many of the ftems which do not flower, but are plentifully clad with leaves, which renders it a very valuable grafs for pafture. It may be imagined from its natural places of growth in waters, that it would not bear cultivation in other fituations. But this is not the cafe, for in dilferent lituations where it is cultivated in the Botanic Gardens it thrives amazingly, not- withflanding the foil is naturally a dry one. It is a grafs that encreafes very fafl: by its roots, although not creeping, and would be an excellent one. TIUANDRIA DIGYNIA. 45 one for moid or low grounds; and where tht ground is inclined to be marfliy it would be a valuable pafture, as cattle are remarkably at- tached to it, particularly horfes and cows. Along the fides of the Grand canal, where this grafs grows, it is generally eat down to the furface of the water within the reach of cattle. It is alfo a very ufeful grafs to fow upon the banks of rivers, as it would prevent them from being worn away by the rapidity of the water. Horfes, cows and flieep are remarkably fond of it. P. July, (Ctiife Ginlcatfiuil. Irish. ) i^Cui/e cuilcamhuiL English. — Reed-like Meadow-grafs, Water Meadow grafs, Ob. Roots fibrous. Stems many, from 3 or 4 to 6 feet high, 2. edged, Jeafy, knotted: knots towards the bafe fending forth fibres. Leaves broad, fword -(haped, acute, upright, keeled, rough on the edges and keel. Sheath fcored, fmooth, with a very blunt flieath-fcale abruptly terminating awn-like. Panicle upright, branch- ing, fomewhat fpreading. Calyx, glumes nearly" equal, whitifli, fliining, containing from 5 to 6 florets. 46 TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. florets. Corolla, outer valve with 7 nerves: inner one notched at the end. a^pin(i. P. Panicle widely fpreading, very much branched: fpikets 6-flowered5 heart-fliaped : under flieath- ! icales very blunt. It grows on and near the fummits of high mountains. Found on the fummit of Brandon, near tlie well, on the rock, thinly covered with earth — alfo on the fummit of Cruach Phadruic, cqunty of Mayo-r-likewife on Benbulben, and other mountains, near Sligo. Mr. J. T. Mackay's Catalogue of rare plants. This grafs, although ; not high, fends forth abundance of fide (hoots ant3 leaves. It may anfwer well enough as a paf- fure grafs on the fummits of mountains, where ' there is but a thin cover, and furnifh fmall cattle 1 vith nourifliment in dry feafons, when the her- bage nearly periflies on fcch fituations. From its being a very clofe grafs in its leaves, and 'matted like at the bafe, it retains moiflure, and continues in verdure where others perifli for want of fuch convenience. As a meadow grafs it is of no value. P. June. July. Irish. TRIANDllIA DIGYNIA. 47 Irish. < ' ' | LCidfe ailp, \ English. — Alpine Mcadow-grafs^, | Ob. Roots fibrous. Stems from 7 to lo inches, fomewhat afcending, cylindrical, two-knotted, j naked above. Leaves^ thofe from the root many, fpreading, bluntiOi at top, but ending in a fudden point: thofe on the flera 2, very fliort. Sheath very long, with a fpear-ihaped acute flieath-fcale on the upper leaves, but very fhort and round on the lower. Panicle (hort, fpread- ing, nearly egg-fiiaped. Calyx, valves nearly equal, egg- (haped, acute, rough on the keel, fomewhat hooked at top. Florets egg-fliaped, fomewhat acute, often filky and fkinny on the edges : inner valve notched, ciliated. ^. Panicle fpreading : fpikets 3-flowered, woolly trivhlk. at the bafe: flems upright, cylindrical, tough: flieath-fcale tapering to a point: roots fibrous. Common every where, particularly in moifl. and fhady fituations. This I confider as a good meadow grafs when in mixture with others, as it furnifhes well both in leaves and ftems. It is early in its foliage, and continues leafing and flowering i fuccefiivelj 48 TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. fucceffively for three months. Dr. Richardfon, in his valuable treatife on indigenous graffes, ob- ferves, that it difappeared foonefl: from ks plot : his remarks indeed are juft, and fhew his treatife to be a work of experience, for when fown feparate, in an open fituation, it makes but aa infignificant appearance, and rather feems to decline each year, but growing promifcuoufly with any other gralTes, it appears as luxuriant in proportion as any. When firfl fpringing its flems grow proftrate, rooting at the under joints, and being fliaded and Jcept moifl: by others it is ftrengthened, and fends up its flower- ing ftems in greater perfection. A fquare plot of this grafs, which is cultivated in the Botanic gardens, in the farmer's divifion, to the obferver of gralTes would give but a very indifferent idea of its worth. But were he to look at other con- tiguous plots, where this grafs had got in, he would be led to form a more favourable opinion of it* Here would he fee, and might contrafl, the difference between this grafs feparate, and in mixture. It is a grafs that does not thrive well without fliade, is well adapted for young plantations, and in fuch fituations becomes valu- uble. On the eftate of the Right Hon. John Foflcr, TRIAXDRIA DIGYNIA. 4$^ Fbflier, at Gollon, where planting is conflantly going on, this grafs might be feen in great pcr- fciflion. Sheep, goats, cows, horfes and fwinc ENGLisHk — Rough'Jialked Meadow-grafs. Foid^. grafs. Fowl'grafs. Bird-grafu Ob. Roots fibrous. Stems decumbent at the bafe, then rifing upright, 2 feet or more, cylin- drical, roughifh, leafy, often inclining to purple. Leaves nearly upright, weak, fomewhat acute, keeled, rough underneath and on the edges. Sheath almofl: the length of the leaves, ftriated, fomewhat preffed, rough, with an elongated flieath-fcale ending acute. Panicle upright, lengthened, terminating, acute, very much, branched, widely fprcading, and fomewhat rough. Calyx, valves equal, rugged on the back : outer valve linear-lancefliaped ; pointed r inner one with three nerves. Qprolla^ valves fomewhat blunt, 5-nervcd, fkinny at the top, with a number of fine woolly hairs at the bafe. eat it. P. June. Sept. K P. Panicle TRIANDRIA. DIG YNIAi (ingusti folia. P. Patiicle fpreading: fpikets 4-flowered, pubef- cent : ftcms upright,, cylindrical : root-leaves flender, edges rolled inwards. It grows in meadows and on dry banks. This is a good meadow and pafture grafs; it furnifties much leaves from the roots, which are numerous and long ; its leaves are not fo broad as the next fpecies, but the deficiency is fupplied by number and length, it alfo continues longer in verdure, is fomewhat taller, and fends forth more flower- ing ftems. It is not a bad grafs as a mixture, as it will thrive in mofi foils and fituations. Sheep, goats, cows and horfes eat it. P. June. Irish. *) ^ . ' , , ( Cuife cumhangdhuillech. E N G L I s H. — 'Narrow-leaved Meadow-grafs. Ob. Roots creeping, fending up fuckers. Stems from 1^ to 2 feet or more, upright, knotted, fmooth, fhining. Leaves narrow, acute, edges rolled inwards, refembling thofe of Feftuca duriufcula. Panicle fomewhat fpread- ing, but pointing one way, fomewhat drooping before expanfion for flower, rifmg rather upright in TKIANDlilA DIGYNIA. 51 in its floral ftate, and again afFuming a drooping appearance in its feminal. Calyx^ valves nearly equal, keeled, with a ridge of tranfparent teeth on the keel. Corolla, valves nearly equal, with entangled wool-like hairs at the bafe. p. Panicle fpre^ding: fpikets 5-flowered, fmooth: praiensU. ftems cylindrical, upright, fmooth : ftieath-fcale fliort, blunt: roots creeping. , Common in meadows, dry banks, and on old walls. This is a very gopd grafs when in mix,- ture, both for meadow and pafture, but far pre- ferable for pafture, from the numerous leaves it (ends forth from its, roots, and its furnifhjng after- grafs in quantity. It is not very abundant in its ileras, but neverthelefs is no way difadvantageou^s in meadows; for the ftems. being pretty flout, and not very tall, fupport other weaker gralTes -which furmount them. It i^ a, grafs vvhicli will grow in almofl: any foil, anfi poffeffes the good quality of withftanding the drpught of fummer. If cultivated feparately for meadows, it is not a defirable grafs. Cows, horfes, gQatSj flieep and Cwinq cat it. P. June. H 2 Irisr. 52 TRIANDRIA DIGYKIA. ICuije mtnghajach. E N G L I s H. — Smooth'Jialked Meadow-grafs, Ob. creeping, fending up fuckers. Stemi upright, from i to 2 feet, cylindrical, ftriated, fmooth, leafy. Leaves fpreading, bluntifli, keeled, fmooth, fometimes glaucous. Sheath the length of the leaves, (Iriated, fmooth, with a Ihort blunt flieath-fcale. Panicle fpreading, upright, ending rather blunt. CalyXy valves acute, fomewhat un- equal, three-nerved, with a rugged prominence on the back. Coralla, vdlvt^ fomewhat blunt, acutely five-nerved, ikinny at top, hunched and tough on the back, v/ith a number of very long 'villous hairs at the bafe. annua. P. Panicle triangular, fpreading horizontally: fpikets moilly 4-flowered, blunt: florets point- ing one way : {lems flanting, flatted. Very common in paflures, road fldes, paths, gravel walks, and borders of fields. Although a fmall grafs, it is not unprofitable to the farmer; for on many parts of his grounds liable to wafle, 'this dwarf fpecies furniihes a delicious, and fome- times a welcome bit, to many fpecies of his cattle, nay of his fowl ; and it poflfeflTes thefc excellent properties, of growing, flowering and feeding almofl TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. almoft throughout the year, ^nd is browfcd on by his cattle and fowl at a feafon when more lofty graffcs lie in a flate of inaaion. It is a fweet and fine grafs, and by no means unacceptable in pafturcs. As a mcadow-grafs, of no valuer •Sheep, goats, cows, horfes and fwine eat it. A. Flowering all fummer, \Cuife blidhainia. EnGLisH.-'^nnual Meadow-grafs. Suffolk-grafi, Ob. Roots fibrous. Stems many, from 4 to yi inches, flatted, leafy, fmooth. Leaves fpread- ?ng, flat, linear, pointed, rough on the edge^, very often with tranfverfe wrinkles on fome pari •6f them. Sheath elongated, flatted, fmooth, ftreaked, pale, with a fliort gnawed-like fheath- fc^le. Panicle triangular, upright, inclining one fide, thinly branched. Ci?/)'^;, valves lance-fliaped, acute, keeled, unequal. Corolla, valves oval- lanccfliaped, blunt, five-nerved, hunched, with a ikinny-like fubftance on the edges, and without any woolly hairs or down at their bafe as in the Poa trivialis. P. Panicle clofe, nearly pointing oneway: fpikets maritima, many-flowered, nearly columnar: florets diftant: ftems afcending. It TlilANDRIA DIGYNIA. It generally grows along the fea coaft in fait marflies. This grafs is but of little worth in an agricultural point of view; for in its natural fitu- ation of growth the appearance of its foliage or flems is not fuch as could recommend it to the notice of the farmer, nor does it thrive well out of maritime fituations* P. June, July. Irish. -S^^^^'^^ Wti^uKC. \Cutfe juuruifc, English. — Sea^ or Salt-mar/h Meado'W'grafs. Qb. creeping. decumbent at the bafe, abo^it i foot, very fmooth, leafy. Leave&<, edges rolled inward§, glaucous, acute. Sheath long, with a bjunt fiieath-fcale, which is often- times acute. Panicle upright, flraight ; branches for th^ moft part in pairs, rough, fpreading before flowei-, afterwards becoming ere^. Spikets linear, fmooth, about fivc-flowered, inclining to purple. Calyx, valves unequal, fomewhat acute: outer one with three nerves. Corolla^ inner valve rough on the margin, bifid at top. ngida, P. Panicle fpcar-fhapcd, fomewhat branched; little branches alternate, pointing one way. It grows on dry Tandy or ftony places, walls and TRIANDRIA DIGYXIA. ^ 55 and roofs. It is neither ufeful in meadows, paf* tures or wafle places, unlefs to fmall birds for its feed. A. July. Irish. {^"^'C^ i^Cuife cruidhata, English.— 5//^, or Hard Meadow-grafs, Ob. Roots fibrous. Stems many, upright, from 3 to 6 inches, ftifF, very fmooth. Leaves acute, flender, rolled in at the edges, very even underneath, rough above. Sheath-fcale blunt, finely cut. Panicle fpear-lhaped, ftifF, decom- pound : little branches alternate; little fpikes on inflexible fruit-ftalks which are fhorter than the fpikes they fnpport, ftrap-fliaped, containing about 8 florets in each. Calyx^ valves nearly equal, keeled, acute. Corolla^ valves fomewhat acute, flcinny at top : inner valve ciliated. P. Panicle clofe, pointing one way : ftems flant- co;wma. < mg, flatted: roots creeping. It grows on walls, houfe tops, and on other very dry places. On walls and dry banks be- tween Galway and Tuam— about Tighmhuillin and Tullyallen, county of Louth. Although this grafs encreafes faft by its roots, and fends 56 TRIAXDRIA DIGiTNlA* forth a tolerable quantity of foliage, yet its leaves are but fliort, as likewife its ftems. I don*t con- fider it as a grafs much worthy the notice of the farmer, neither is it one to be recommended for . meadows or paftures, as it rather inclines to grow upon old walls and fuch dry fituations, and even there it has but an Unfightly appearance. Sheep, goats, cows, and horfes eat it. P. June. July. '\Cuife faifgemhu'iL Ob. Roots creeping. Stems trailing, thea afcending, from 8 to 12 inches, knotted, fmooth, leafy, very much flatted. Leaves fiat, acute, fmooth, inclining to a fea-green colour. Sheaths the length of the leaves, two-edged, (Ireaked, with fliort blunt {heath-fcalcs. Panicle clofc, nearly inclining one way, bluntifh ; little branches angular, rough, fomewhat weped, fpreading before flower, afterwards becoming clofe. Calyx^ valves nearly equal, egg-ftiaped, nerved, contain- ing from 4 to 9 florets. Corollay valves egg- {haped, three-nerved, ikinny at top, and of a purplifti colour towards the bafe. P. Panicle TRIANDKIA DIGYNIA. 57 P. Panicle flender, tapering : fpikets moftly two- nemoralis, flowered, rough, pointed: ftems and leaves flender: flieath-fcale very fliort, notched. It grows in woods and fliady places. In Lut- trelPs-town wood, county of Dublin. In the woods about Roflrever, and the wood on the flde of Knockcree, county of Down-^woody mountains about Knappen, county of Antrim. Either wild or cultivated, in both which fl:ates I have feen it grow, I confider it as a good and beneficial grafs; and, although flender in its leaves and ftems, it is pretty tall, and produces both in great plenty. From fome obfervations I have made in the Botanic gardens, in the far- mer's divifion, where there are plots 20 feet fquare, in which are cultivated feveral of the graflfes feparately, I have remarked this grafs to hold its plot, and without any way appearing to decline during the fuccefllve years it has occupied it, whilfl: others from their declining flate were obliged to be renewed. It alfo produces a fecond crop not much inferior to the firft ; a property which makes it the more valuable as an after- grafs. If an equal quantity of this grafs and of ?lie Avena flavefcens were mixed with double the I (juantit^ 5S TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. quantity of the Fefluca pratenfis, I fliould not be at all furprifed to fee a very fine fleece produced therefrom. For as I have already remarked when fpeaking of other grafles, the Fefluca pra- tenfis being a pretty flout grafs, and fomewhat coarfe, it would encourage and fupport thefe other two, which are finer in leaves and flems, and more produaive ; and the latter would an- fwer well, in the above proportion, to qualify the coarfer Fefluca. The P. nemoralis thrives well in the different fituations where it is placed in the fiardens, P. June. Augufl, Irish. < ^ .1 ./ . iCutfe coiltembuil, English. — Wood Meadow-grafs, Ob. Roofs fibrous. Stems from li to 2 feet ox more, upright, flender, fomewhat fiat, fmooth, leafy. Leaves moflly from the root, narrow, tapering, briflle-fliaped, acute ; thofe on the ftem rough on each fide and on the margin. Sheath not fo long as the leaves, comprefifed, fomewhat fmooth, with a very fliort flieath-fcale notched at the end. Panicle tapering, nearly upright, loofe ; branches flender, in femiwhirls, angulated, rough, often waved, and more or lefs branched. Cal^Xy valves TRTANDRIA DIGYNIA. 59 valves nearly equal, very little fliorter than the fpikct, lance-fliaped, 3-nerved, ferrulated, and containing from 3 to 5 florets. Corolla^ valves lance-fliaped, acute i inner valve keeled, and fomewhat pubefcent on the margin. P. Panicle with fubdivided branches : lower distans. branches pointing downwards j fpikets 5-flow* ered ; florets diftant, blunt. It grows in fields and among rubbifli along the fca fliore. Along the way fide from Ballybough- bridge to Clontarf — Lots at the N. Wall, and between Dublin and Iriflatown, county of Dublin. I know of no advantage which could be derived from this fpecies in an agricultural point of view ; for from what I could obferve by it in the Botanic g^dens, it does not thrive well out of maritime fituations, P. June. July. Ob. Roots fibrous. Stems bent at the lower joints, nearly i foot, cylindrical, leafy, fmooth. Leaves fomewhat acute, fmooth, of a fea-green colour, flat ; thofc from the roots fomewhat rolled I 2 inwards. TRIAXDRIA DIGYKIA. Inwards. Sheath- fcale blunt, notched at top* Panicle upright; branches diftant in femiwhirls, fomewhat ivaved, of various lengths : the undci* ones pointing downwards. Calyx^ valves unequal, keeled, fmall, blunt, Ikmny oh the edges. FloreU diftant, nearly cylindrical, very blunt : inner valve notched and rough on the edge. BRIZA. CaL 2-valved, many-flowered. Spikets^ 2-rowedi Blojom^ 2-valves, bellying out : valves heart-^ fhaped, blunt; the inner minute. Seed^ de- prefled, adhering to the corolla^ media. B. Spikets egg-fhaped, 7-flowered: calyx fhortcr than the florets: fheath-fcale blunt, very fliort. Common on fides of hills, in paftures, and in meadows. This grafs is of no great worth, cither as a paflure. Or for meadows. It is not very prolific in ftems, neither are they Very high: the leaves are but fliort, nor do they hold their ver- dure long ; and, in Ihort, it has very little to re^ . commend f RIANDRlA DlGYNIA, 61 commend it except the beauty of its panicle. Cows, (heep and goats eat it. P, July, Irishx * i^Luafcadhfher medhon, English. — Middle ^aking-grafs. Cow-quakes, Ladies-hair. Ob. Roofs fibrous. Stems i foot or more, upright, leafy, very fmooth. Leaves nearly up- right, acute, flat, fomewhat rough. Sheath long, ftriated, fmooth, with a very lliort blunt fheath- fcale. Panicle^ widely fpreading, many-flowered ; little branches brownifh. Spikets drooping, quaking, egg-fhaped, or nearly heart-fliaped, fmooth, fliining, containing 7, fometimes 9 florets. Calyx^ valves nearly equal, hollow, blunt, Ikinny at the edges, and fomewhat fhorter than the floret. Corolla^ valves fimilar to the calyx j outer one notched. DACTYLIS, GaL 2-valved, flatted: one valve larger, keeled. p. Panicle crowded, pointing one way: calyx ghm^ata. 4-flowered. Very 62 TRIANDRIA BIGYNIA. Very common in meadows and fliady places, This is a very produ£live grafs both in leaves and ftems ; it will thrive almofl: in any foil or fitua- tion ; and, as I have experienced in the Botanic gardens, in the farmer's divifion, where a plot is allotted to this grafs, it retains its ground with- out appearing any way to decline, and produces a heavy fleece ; it alfo produces ^aftergrafs in abundance. It is a coarfe grafs, and from the quantity of feed it bears mufl: be very nutritious. It has the ftrongefl powers of vegetation of any grafs I know; and may be eafily pointed out a little time after cutting in any meadow, being the firft vifibic after raking. Other graffes do not feem to thrive well alougfide of it, being overfhaded and fcalded by its numerous and long foliage, and the ground is generally found bare for an inch or more round its bafe. If cultivated feparately, it would produce an abundant crop ; and, although a coarfe grafs, a method might be taken to meliorate and make it more palatable to cattle, (i.e.) by having it judicioufly intermixed in the rick at the time of drawing home to the farm-yard. It is a grafs that would anfwer well in young fhady plantations, as it is not injured by fli^de J and in fuch fituations, where other gralTes Y^^TT would TRIANDRIA DlGYNIA. 63 would not thrive, it would be well worth culti^ vation. I have often heard it faid, that cattle do not eat this grafs when in a recent ftate ; but this opinion feems to have originated from feeing it in tufts in meadows fome time after the cattle are taken off for the feafon. However, I can fay from experience, that cattle do eat it in a recent ftate, and that with avidity. There are grounds adjoining the fouth and weft fides of the Botanic gardens, which are now, and have been under meadow before the formation of the Gardens. Thefe meadows abound with Da%lis glomerata : the aftergrafs is generally fet to dairymen, and I have frequently ftood a confiderable time to ob- ferve whether cattle refufed the Da%lis or not, but I never found that they had any obje^ion to it; and, in the courfe of time, the entire of the gralTes being eaten to a level, is a clear demon- ftration that they do not refufe it. The reafon of this grafs appearing in tufts is, when cattle eat the entire pafture or aftergrafs bare, they are generally removed to another field; and as the Daaylis glomerata poffeffes the quickeft powers of vegetation of any other grafs, it very foon fur- mounts all the reft, and being of a ftrong luxu- riant nature appears in tufts, which occafiotis people C4 TlilAXDIUA DIGYNIA. people not acquainted with this circumftance to imagine that cattle leave it untouched. Horfes^ fheep and goats eat it. Cows it is faid are not fond of it. P» J^^y- . '\Cailechosfher coitcbion. English. — Common Cock's-foot-grafs. Ob. Roots fibrous. Stems upright, 3 feet^ cylindrical, naked above, rough. Leaves linear, acute, fpreading, dark green, rough on the edges. Sheath ftriated, flatted, rough, with a jagged elongated flieath-fcale. Panicle, branches alter, nate; little branches diftant, very rough, ftiff, decompound. Spikets in little tufts, pointing one way, rough. Calyx, valves very unequal, keeled, pointed; outer one 3-.nerved, ciliated on the keels; inner one iliinny-like. Florets 3 or 4, feldom fingle, larger than the calyx, ciliated tooth-like on the keel ; inner valve bifid, ciliated. Anthers purple, (landing out, tremblings CYNO6URUS. TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. CYNOSURUS. Cal. 2.valved, many-flovvered, placed one fide on a peculiar leafy receptacle. C. Floral leaves with winged clefts : fpike fimple, cnstatus. femicylindrical, tapering. Common in dry paftures. The leaves of this grafs are very fliort, the ftems hard and tough, and not very high ; and as a meadow grafs of no utility. As the leaves are pretty fine, abundant^ and clofe, it would anfwer near the fummits and on fides of hiily grounds, as a paflure for fheep ; for in fuch places it is moft frequently met with, and particularly on thofe parts which are flocked by that fpecies of cattle. The ftems being hard and wiry, fmall cattle do not like it; and on this^ arccount it is frequently confpicuous in paftures, being left (landing, whilft its leaves, and alfo the ftems and leaves of other herbage around it, are eaten clofely down. By thefe means its feed is preferved, and falls at a proper feafon. This I look upon to be the caufe of the predominance of this grafs in (heep-walks and paftures. Sheep ^at the leaves, but not the ftems. A. July. Auguft. ^ Irish, 66 TRIANDllIA DIGYNIA. Irish i^t^^^^^^^^^ cj^^-^idc. ' \ Trathmnfher ctrinach, Cuifiog, English. Crejied Dog's'tail-grafs. Windle- ft raws, Ob. Roots fibrous. S>iems upright, ftraight, I foot, very fmooth, naked at top. Leaves linear, acute. Sheath ftriated, very fmooth, with a {hort blunt gnawed-like fheath-fcale. Spike fimple, linear, upright^ blunt, with all the florets pointing one vC'ay. FESTUCA- Cal 2-valved: ffikets oblong, roundifli. Uujhs tapering to a point. Panicles pointing one way. yomoides. F. Panicle pointing one way: fpikets upright, fmooth: calyx valves, one entire, the other tapering to an awnlike point: leaves briftle- fliaped, fiiorter than the Iheath. It grows in dry fandy places. Way fides about Dundrum, county of Dublin— high grounds above TRIANDRIA DIGYXIA. 6r above Bray, county of Wicklow. A grafs of little or no confequence to the farmer, as being profitable neither for meadow nor pafture. It would however caufe a verdure on a thin gravelly foil, where others would not thrive. A. May, June. Irish. .^^^^^""^^^^'^ ajttlrip. {F^Jcufher aimrid. English. — Barren Fefcue-grafs, Ob. Roots fibrous. Stems many, from 6 inches to nearly i foot, upright, very fmooth, leafy towards the bafe, with from 3 to 4 joints or knots. Leaves pale green, upright, briftle- fliapcd, acute, fmooth, fhort. Sheath longer than the leaves, fomewhat bellying out, fur- rowed, fmooth, with a ihort fheath-fcale. Panicle upright, from i to 2 inches in length, pointing one way. Spikets 6-flowered, upright, fmooth. Calyxy valves acute, fmooth; outer valve very narrow, almoft briftle-fliaped : inner valve much longer, and nearly three times as broad as the other. Corollay inner valve fomewhat acute, pubefcent on the edge. Awn^ ftraight, twice the length of the bloffom or more. K 2 F. Panicle 68 TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA* . F. Panicle compadl, pointing one way, awned: ftems 4-cQrnered, almofl naked; leaves briftle- fliaped. Common on dry hills and mountains. As^ meadow grafs, it is of no confequence to the farmer; for unlefs in fandy clayey foils it makes but little progrefs, and even in fuch is not worthy of cultivation for meadow. Neither is it valuable to the grazier on any part of his grounds, unlefs dry hills and fides of mountains; and in fuch places this grafs is valuable as to pallure, it being the grafs preferred by flieep above all others. Ia a plot allotted to this grafs in the Botanic gar- dens, in the farmer's divifion, it appears very luxuriant; and by a coraparifon here, and in it^ "wild fituation, they would appear not the fame. The plot has a northern afped, and is a clayey gravelly foil. Although a fmall grafs, it is fuccu- lent, and continues in verdure during winter and fpring, affording nourilhment at a feafon of the year when others are froft-bitten and disfigured by inclemency of weather, holding itfelf thus until the recovery of others to fucceed it. There is a fmall iiland off Ballycaftle, in the county of Antrim, which abounds with this grafs ; and I hay^ TfllANDRlA DIGYNIA. 69 have been informed, that lean meagre flieep are fent there to recover and fatten. It is alfo re- marked, that the mutton fed on this ifland is fuperior in flavour to any other in that country : it is likewife afcertained, that the tallow produced from the feeding here, incorporated with one- third of Ruffian, is far fuperior to the Irifh or Ruffian tallow feparately. Sheep, goats, cows and horfes eat it. P. June. July. Irish, ^^^'f'^'^^'^ CctOrtctc. l^Fefcufher caorach, English. — Sheep's Fefcue-grafs, Ob. Roots fibrous, matted. Stems from 6 to 8 inches, upright, flender, fomewhat rigid, fmooth, leafy at the bafe, four-cornered toward the top. Leaves varying in length and dire£lion, very flender, briftle-like but angular, acute, often a fea green colour. Sheath fmooth, with a very fliort flieath-fcale. Spikets upright, oval-lance- fliaped, fmooth. Calyx^ valves unequal, linear- lancefliaped, pointed, keeled, fmooth, containing from 4 to 5 flowers. Corolla^ inner valve awn- lefs, fomewhat acute, concave^ fmooth on the edges. F. Panicle 70 TRIAXDRIA DIGYNIA, Tivipara. Y. Panicle pointing one way, compaft: florets comprefTed, keeled: calyx fomewhat pubefcent: ftems four-cornered: leaves bridle- ftiaped, fmooth. It grows on and near the fammits of high mountains. Carlingford mountains, county of Louth — Mourne mountains, county of Down. Mangerton and Purple mountains, Killarney. Do£tor Wade's Plants Rarlores. Plentiful on feveral of the Dublin mountains, Do£^or Stokes, and on many of the high mountains in the coun- ties of Kerry and Clare, Mr. J. T. Mackay's Catalogue of rare Plants. In a ftate of cultiva- tion, as alfo in its wild fituations, this grafs ap- pears more luxuriant in leaves and ftems than the former. It is no unprofitable grafs on the fummits of mountains, as it poffelTes the good quality of continuing in verdure during the winter, being very acceptable to thofe fpecies of cattle which eafily afcend fuch places. On Mourne mountains 1 have feen it eaten pretty clofe, but fheep were the chief inhabitants. It is fimilar ta the former, but may be readily diftinguiflied when in frudiifica- tion, by the appearance of young plants growing on the panicle refembling feedlings. It continues viviparous TJRIANDKIA DIGYNIA. viviparous in the Botanic gardens Cnce firft intro- duced. P. June. July. Irish. ^^^^"^^^^^ 2?eocu)fiii]5Cd6. tFefcufher beothuifmighthacb, English. — Viviparous Fefcue-grafs, F. Panicle pointing one way, rough: fpikets mhra. 6.flowered, awned : floret at the end awnlefs: flems femicylindrical. It grows on mountains and mountain paftures, and on high banks along the fea coaft. Below Killincarick on high banks along the coaft, county of Wicklow— at Roche's-town, on banks along the wall hard by the fhore, county of Dublin— on the eaft fide of Carlingford mountains next the fea, county of Louth. In dry fandy paftures, particularly at an old building called Warren- houfe, between Clontarf and Howth. Dofior Wade's FJ. Dub. Plentiful on the fea fhores in many places of the county of Dublin, and not uncommon on the fouthern coafl. Mr. J. T. Mackay's Catalogue of rare Plants. This grafs fends forth a great quantity of leaves, that get to a confidcrable length and become much entan- gled, but it produces few flowering flems. So clofely t2 TlllA^TDRIA tttGY^iA. clofely matted are th6 leaves, as alfo the fOOts, that it is with difficulty they are cut through with the fpade. In a fquare plot in the Botanic gar- dens, in the alphabetical arrangement of the Gramina vera, or true grafs divifion, where this grafs is cultivated, it has no unfightly appearance in foliage. As a paflure grafs it may not be un- acceptable, as it vegetates fpeedily after being cut, and holds in verdure during the winter. As a meadow grafs not defirable; for fo matted are the roots it is with difficulty any other could grow araongft it. June. July. Irish. ^ ^ , . iFefaijber cruan. English.— .R^^ Fef cue -grafs. Ob. Roots creeping, very long. Ste7ns i foot, decumbent, leafy at the bafe, very fmooth, ftriated. Leaves linear, rolled inwards, fome- what (harp-pointed, fmooth underneath, furrowed above, pubefcent. Sheaths furrowed: thofe on the (lem very long, fmooth; thofe from the root fiiort, pubefcent. Sheath-fcale very fliort, gnawed- like. Panicle poi.iting one way, branched ; pe- duncles furrowed, with the angles rough. Calyxy valves TRIAJnTDIJIA digynia. 73 valves Iinear lan<7e(liaped, acute, unequal, fmooth, ' containing 5 or 6 flowers. Corolla^ inner valve fomewhat fliorter, blantifh, pubefcent on the edge. F. Panicle oblong, pointing one way: fpikets duriusc oblong,. 6-flowered, fmooth: leaves briflle- fhaped. Common in dry meadows and padures. This is a good grafs in paftures, producing foliage in abundance, and continuing in verdure during the winter; but as a meadow grafs not very defirable, unlefs in fmall quantity, for it is not prolific in flowering items, and the leaves alfo become fo matted at the bafe, that it would be an annoy- ance to others more beneficial. It would be a defirable fpecies in flieep- walks, as its foliage, which is fine, fprings early, and vegetates quickly after cutting; and it is a grafs that might be worthy of cultivation, as flieep relifli it much. \t encreafes fafl: by fuckers, will grow in any foil, and withftands the drought of fummer. Cattle eat it. P. June. July, Irish. 74 TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. Irish, i , , LFefcufher cruadh, English. — Hard Fefcue-grafs. Ob. Rodts creeping. Stems from i to 2 feet, upright, cylindrical, leafy, fmooth. Leaves vary- ing in their length, narrow, acute: thofe from the root briftleflaaped and rough : thofe on the ftera Sat and fometimcs pobefcent at top. Sheath very long, fmooth, with a fmalf flieath-fcalc. Panicle much larger in every part than the Fef- tuca ovina, the flowers larger and keeled, with the inner glume pubefcent at the edge. It differs from the Fefluca dumetorum by its hufks being fmooth, from the Fefliitca rubra by its contra£led panicle and longer awns, and from the Fefluca ovina by its long panicle and cylindrical ftems. F. Panicle fpike-like, pubefcent l leaves thread- fliaped. It grows in woods and lhady hedges* On fiiady banks at the flood-gate along the demefnc- wall belonging to the Rt. Hon. David Latouche, Marly, county of Dublin— at Mount Oriel, and on many parts of the improvements of the Right lion. Jt5hn Fofter, Collon— at the foot of the Saddle T'RIANBRIA DIGYNIA. 75 Saddle and Trumpet mountains, county of Louth. This grafs is equal to the former, if not better. It rather agrees with (hade, although in feveral iituations where it is placed in the Botanic gardens, it has a fine appearance, and being a produ(Slive grafs would anfwer well as pafture. it alfo retains its verdure during winter, and fprings early in the feafon. As a meadow grafs not very profitable, as producing few flowering ftems, and Impatient of mixture with any other. The thr^ee laft mentioned fpecies are not proper to mix with other grafles for meadow ; as they do not admit the growth of any other kind, fyom their matted leaves and roots. P. June. July. ( Tefcufher coilltemhuil, English. — Wood Tefcue-grafs. Pi^ke/cent Fefcue- grafs. Ob. Rogis creeping. Siems 2 feet, upright, cylindrical, pubefcent at top. Leaves i foot long ot more, narrow, roundifli, pubefcent: thofe on the ftem fliort, ftriated and pubefcent. Panicle fmall, fpike-like. Sheath long, pubefcent, with a fliort flieath-fcale. Calyx^ inner valve neariy as L 2 flaort 76 TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. fhort again as the outer, and ending in an awn- like point. Corolla^ valves nearly equal, pubel- cent ; outer valve ending in a fmall awn. Panicles equal. decumhens. F. Panicle upright, clofe: fpikets nearly egg- fhaped, awnlcfs : calyx larger than the florets : Hems lying down : flieath-fcale ciliated. Tt grows in barren moiftifli paftures, particu- larly about mountain grounds, as at Howth, Ire- land 's-eye, the Dublin mountains, &c. &c. This grafs is but of little worth, being fhort in leaves and ftems, nor is it very productive of either. It is generally to be met with on the fides of hilly grounds and mountains, where it forms a tolera- ble part of the verdure ; and in fuch places, from its large feed which is nutritive, may be much reliflied by fome fpecies of cattle, but in an agri- cultural point of view, otherwife, of little value* Sheep refufe it. P. July. Auguft. tFefcufher Jtnie, English. — Decumbent Fefcue- grafs. Ob. Roots fibrous. Stejns from 4 to 6 inches, de- cumbent, knotted, ftiif, very fmoothj leafy. Leaves linear, TRIANDRTA DIGYNTA. 77 linear, fomewhat blunt, rolled inwards, flilEfli, and very rough on the back towards the top. Sheath flriated. Sheath-fcak very Ihort, ciliated - with fine upright hajrs. Panicle upright, .fimple, about inches long, few-flowered; fpikets tgg^ fhaped, bulged, fmooth, containing from 3 to 5 flowers, and often inclining to purple. Calyx, valves the length of the fpiket, nearly equal, egg.fliaped, rough on the keel. Cerolla^ valves awnlefs, hairy at the edge and fometimes at the bafe : outer valve trifid at the end. F. Panicle loofe, very much branched, fomewhat datior. drooping and pointing one way : fpikets fome- what awned : the outer ones cylindrical. It grows in boggy mountains and fides of wet ditches. This is a very tall, flrong, produdlive grafs in leaves and fi:ems, and although coarfe not unacceptable to mofl cattle. It would anfwer bed for meadow, if cultivated feparately, and would produce a great crop, which would likewife be fucceeded by an abundant aftergrafs, as it ha? very flrong powers of vegetation. It is not a defirable fpecits in mixture. This I have expe- rienced in the Botanic gardens, where a plot is allotted to it in the farmer's divifion. It retains its TRIANDRIA BIGYNIA. its plot, and from obfervations I have made, other grafles, which happened to be amongfl it, feemed to make but flow progrefs ; for, from the luxuriance of its leaves in fpring, it rather keep? under and fmothers others which have not fuch quick powers of vegetation as to rife before this extends its foliage. If cultivated and treated after the manner which I have recommended for the Da£lylis glomerata, it might become a beneficial grafs. See Daflylis glomerata, page 62* It thrives amazingly well in every fltuation where it is placed in the Gardens. Sheep, cows, and goats eat it. P. July. Auguft. Irish. \ * ^ ' yFifcufber airde. English. — Tall Fefcue-grafs. Ob. Roots fibrous. Stems from 3 to 4 feet, ftriated, leafy, fmooth. Leaves linear, flat, broadifli, rough on the edges. Panicle drooping but fomewhat upright, about 7 inches long, dc- compound. CalyHy valves unequal, from 5 to 6 florets in each. calamaria, F. Panicle pointing one way, upright, very much branched, cpmpa£l : florets oblong, angulated, awnlefs : leaves fword-fliaped, flriated. It TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. 79 It grows in moid woods. In addition to its being found in a wood near Newtown-barry, by the Rev. Mr. But, the woods of the Dargle, county of Wicklow, and thofe near Derry and Roftrevor, aifbrd it in abundance. Dr. Wade's PlantJE Rariores. In Mr.Tighe's woods at Wood- flock, county of Kilkenny. Mr. J. T. Mackay's Catalogue of rare Plants. This grafs anfwers very well in moift woods. It is quick in vegetation after being cut, and af- fords a good crop, although not very profitable when cultivated out of fuch habitats. P. July. Irish. I^^'^'^^^^^^ Cctj^C-.nmjt. ( Fefcufher cainnemhuil. English.— i^^^-i-//^^ Fefcue-grafs. Ob. Roots fibrous. Stems many, upright, 3 feet, reed-like, ftraight, very fmooth, knotted and inclining to purple. Leaves upright, flat, fword-fiiaped, pointed and rough on the ed^ges. Sheath nearly the length of the leaves, cylindrical, ftriated, fomewhat rough, with a very fhort blunt gnawed-like ftieath-fcale. Panicle fmall in pro. portion to the plant, upright, inclining one way, very much branched; branches in twos and (hree's, angulated, rough. Spikets fmall, heaped, upright. 80 TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. upright, egg-oblong, and appearing fomevJ^hat pubefcent. CalyXy valves briflle-fliaped, pointed, keeled, nearly equal. Florets, from 3 to 5, in oppofitc rows, fomewhat diftant; vahes^ nearly- equal, bowed, lance-fhaped, pointed. pratciisis, F. Panicle pointing one way, nearly upright, loofe; fpikets nearly ftrap-fhaped, flatted, bluntilhj florets cylindrical, lightly nerved. It grows common in rich meadows and paf- tures. This is an excellent grafs both for meadow and paflure, is of a defirable fize in its flems, producing aftergrafs in plenty ; it is alfo quick in its growth, is a profitable fpecies to the grazier or farmer, and forms a part in every good meadow. Were an equal quantity of the feed of the i^vena flavefcens and Poa nemoralis mixed, and to this mixture were added an equal quantity of the feed of Feftuca pratenfis, I would confider them in fuch mixture as the foundation of a good mea- dow. And, as the Avena flavefcens and Poa nemoralis are fine in leaves and ftems, they would in fuch proportion qualify the Feftuca pratenfis, which is much coarfer than either ; whilft the flout manner in which the Fefluca pratenfis grows, would fupport and prevent the others from ( TRIAKDRIA DIGYNIA. 81 from being lodged, which otherwife would happen from the debility of their ftems. Thefe three would likewife produce an abundant aftergrafs ; for, as the Avena flavefcens and Poa nemoralis incline much to a fecond crop within the feafon, they would be greatly affifted by the Feftuca pratenfis, which fends forth leaves in abundance after mowing. I don't confider it as a defirable grafs to cultivate feparately, not being very prolific in ftems. Horfes, flieep, cows and goats eat it. P„ June. July. Irish, j^"^^^^^^ LFefcufher Una, English. — Meadow Fefcue-grafs. Ob. Roots fibrous. Stems crcdi, nearly 2 feet, cylindrical, fmooth, and leafy. Leaves linear, pointed, fpreading; upper leaves rough on each fide. Sbeaib ftriated, very fmooth, with a very fhort flieath-fcale furrounding the ftem. Panicle nearly upright, branched, pointing one way; branches in pairs, unequal, fimple for the moft part, and rough. Spikets on fhort foot-ftalks, alternate, fomewhat blunt, fmooth, and many- iiowered. Calyx, valves unequal, fomewhat M acute. 82 TRIA^'I>IlIA I>IGY5:iA» acute, fraooth, one of them broader, three- nerved. Corolla^ inner valve hollow, jagged at top and pubcfcent on the edges. fuitans. F. Panicle upright, branched; fpikets nearly fitting, cylindrical, prefTed to the fpike-flalks, awnlefs. Common in wet muddy ditches and ponds. In vacant fpots in marfhy and moift meadows, where water generally lodges, and in ditches, where few others would grow, this grafs wouKi be valuable to the grazier or farmer. It is a fpecies of which cattle are remarkably fond, and in queft of which they often riik their lives. There are many ufelefs fpots for the cultivation of grain on farms, fuch as marflies, ditches, or fpots in which water lodges, but which have no depth of foil for tillage. In fuch places this would be a very ufeful and beneficial grafs ; for it is abundant in leaves and ftems, and grows remarkably faft after being eat down ; fo that while cattle would be foraging after and picking it in fuch places, time would be afforded for the recovery of the higher paflure elfewhere, for I have remarked, that cattle will continue browfmg an hour or two on a very fraall compafs where this grafs is. 1 therefore ♦ TRIANDHIA DIGYNIA. 83 I therefore confider fuch fpots of ground where it may be cultivated, to be as valuable as the dry pafturc, if not more fo. It does not do well on dry grounds, as I have experienced in the Botanic Gardens, for by re- moving it out of its natural places of growth, it declines graduall]^, and feldom appears the third feafon. It is faid that the bran produced from the feed, when ground into meal, is given to horfes troubled with worms 5 but they muft be kept from water fome hours afterwards. Geefc and ducks are very fond of the feed, and become fat on them. Cows, horfes, and fwine eat it. P. Flowering all fummer, Irish. ^^^'f^^^F^t^ {mihu)t)lL tFefcufher fnamhuighUL JlifGLisH.— f7i?/^ Fefcue-grafs. Water Fefcue- grajs. Ob. Roots fibrous. Stems trailing at the bafc, and putting forth fibres at the joints, branched, ftriated, leafy, fraooth. Leaves flat, fomewhat blunt, and broad : under ones feeble, floating. Sheath long, flatted, ftriated, fmooth, with a very fhort flender gnawed-like flieath-fcale. F ankle nearly 84 TEIANDRIA DIGYNIA. nearly upright: branches alternate, fpreadltig, Spikets alternate, nearly fitting, lying clofe to the branches, flrap-lhaped, containing from 8 to ID florets. Calyx, valves fkinny, blunt, with a green keel. Corolla, inner valve notched at the end. It is often found with the panicle fcarcely branched, and fometimes fpike-like, loliacea. F. Spike 2-rowed, drooping: fpikets nearly fitting, many-flowered, diftant, awnlefs. It grows in low moifi: meadows, particularly along river fides. This is a good meadow and pafture grafs, furnifhing plenty of foliage and flower flems, and where it happens to be in a meadow, caufes a good fward. It alfo gives very good aftergrafs. A circumftance attending this fpecies is, that it does not produce feed ; for although it flowers as perfectly in appearance as any other grafs, yet a Angle feed is not formed within the flower. Therefore unlefs growing naturally in fome part of a farm, it does not anfwer the agriculturift j for were he to culti- vate it in quantity, he fliould colle6l the plants from fuch fpots as naturally produce it. P. June. July. Irish, TRIANDRIA DIGYIflA. 85 Irish {^^f^^^F^?^ |iO]ltectniu)l. iFefcufhsr roilleamhuiL English, — Darnel-like Fefcue-grafs. Ob. Roots fibrous. Stems upright, nearly 3 feet, fimpie, ftriated, leafy, L^'^'z;fj' linear, pointed, fpreading, flriated, even. Sheath long, flriated, fmooth, v^ith a very fhort flieath-fcaie furrounding the ftem. Spike 8 or 10 inches long, fomewhat bowed, 2-rowed, many-flovi^ered, fometimes a little branched at the bafe. Spikets alternate, fitting, nearly upright, many-flowered, fmooth; lower ones often upon foot-ftalks and in pairs. Calyx^ glumes awnlefs, unequal : one of them (hort, 3.fided but awl-fhaped; the other longer and much broader, with many nerves but fcarcely keeled. Florets in two oppofite rows; fomewhat diftant, acute, fcarcely awned, cylin- drical, even, and without nerves. This grafs bears a great refemblance to the Lolium pe- renne, but may be diftinguiflied by its calyx being of two valves, which is not the cafe iii the Lolium, the latter being of one valve onlyo BROMUS; i9B TRiANbmiA digynia. BROMUS. Cat. 2-valved. Spikets, oblong, cylindrical, 2-rowed : awn beneath the point. secalinuf. B. Panicle nodding : fpikets egg-fhaped, flatted: hulks naked ; feeds diftinft, awns awl-ftiaped, fliorter than the blolTom, not quite ftraight. It grows in corn fields, and in meadows near the fea fliore. Alongfide the Royal canal, be- tween Dublin and Blancher's-town — on the lands of Saotry — in fandy meadows between Clontarf and Howth, county of Dublin. Barrack and Brick-fields, on the eftate of the Rt. Hon. John Fofter, CoUon, county of Louth. On the banks of the Grand canal, near to where it joins the Shannon. Mr. J. T. Mackay's Catalogue of rare Plants. This is a tall-growing grafs, producing ftems, leaves, and feeds in abundance. The feeds are large, and muft be very nutritive; and I pre- fumc, if mixed with other grafles when made into hay, would be very acceptable to cattle. It being an annual grafs, it would not anfwer very well in meadow; moreover, if introduced by mixture when laying down a meadow, there would but very few plants of it appear the fol- lowing TRIANDRIA DlGt^tA, 87 lowing feafon after the firft year's crop ; for the feed is not apt to drop out of the hufk, but con- tinues there until the ftem rots, and the entire panicle falls to the ground. The quality which this grafs polTeffes, of not fliedding its feeds, may be turned to account by the farmer; as it might be very advantageoufly mixed with red clover, and would produce in the firft feafon a very plen- tiful crop, without annoying the clover on the enfuing year. Care muft be taken, however, that the proportion of the feed of this grafs to that of the clover be not too great, as it might grow too thick, and prevent the fubfequent growth of the latter. If cultivated feparately, like barley and oats, and the crop judicioufly intermixed with other graffcs in the hay.rick at the time of draw- ing home, it would make the whole very accep- table to cattle; as the Bromus fecalinus bears abundance of feed, which is large and mealy, and of courfe nutritive and fubftantial. The flowers dye green. Sheep, cows, goats and horfes eat it. j^^^ Irish. • I would not be underftood to difcourage the ufua! praa.ce of rowing barley or oats with red clover, or to r- commend this graft i„ preference, but it may fometim^ happen, .hat from . fcarcity of meadow the above praSicc may be adFifable. TRIANDUIA DIGYNIA. Irish. \ , . , 7 ^Brumfher JegalamhuiU 'ENGLisn.-^Rye-like Brome-grafs. Field Brome'^ Ob. Roots fibrous. Stems from 2 to 3 feet, upright, leafy, cylindrical, fmooth. Leaves, linear, fpreading, hairy above and on the mar- gins, rough underneath. Sheath even, with a fliort gnawed-like hairy iheath-fcale. Panicle nearly 6 inches, clofe before flower, fpreading when in flower, and becoming again clofe in its feminal flate. Spikets egg-ftiaped, containing from 9 to 12 florets; thofc at the bafe diftant. Calyxy valves unequal, awnlefs, fmooth, 3-nerved, fkinny at the edges. Corolla, outer valve fwollen, awned beneath the top : inner valve more narrow and flender, concave, ciliated on the edges. Awn not quite flraight, and fliorter than the outer valve. B. Panicle nearly upright: fpikets egg-ftiaped, pubefcent; awn flraight, leaves very foft, woolly. A very common grafs, growing in many fitu- ations, as meadows, paftures, banks or hedges, . on TllIANDRlA DIGYNIA. 89 on way fides and on walls. This fpecies, like the former, is an annual, but an earlier grafs. It is produaive in leaves, ftems, and feed; a|d to obtain a good crop, annual fowing and broken ground is nwft congenial to it. In the Botanic Gardens, in the farmer's divifiori, where a plot is allotted vo this fpecies, it looks remarkably well, and is much earlier in its fprin^ than the former. This may be accounted for by its fhedding its feed early, which vegetates and be- comes ftrong before the approach of winter. Were it the farmer's defire to have a crop of hay off his ground the feafon in which he fows his red clover, and that he wifhed, when cutting his clover the enfuing year, to have a mixture of grafs, this fpecies I take to be very defirable for that purpofe, as it feeds early. And as the feed foon drops, (which is not the cafe with the Bromus fccalinus,) a fufficient quantity would fall to have the defired efFea. And from its being an early grafs, and fending up flowering flems fucccffively, it might, at the option of the pro- prietor, be either cut in a fucculent or in a more advanced (late. It would alfo be lefs dangerous for cattle to eat the clover when in mixture with N this TRIANDRIA DIGYXIA. this grafs. Sheep, cows, goats and horfes eat it, A. June. July. Irish. < ^ ' ^ LBrumfher bog* English.— iS'o// Br orne- grafs, Loh-grafs, OaU grafs. Ob. RoQis fibrous. Stetns upright, 2 feet, cylindrical, ftriated, often fmooth, fometimes pubefcent, with fwoln knots. Leaves and Jheaths ftriated and covered with foft villous hairs. P a- nick upright, clofe but fomewhat fpreading: branches in femi whirls of various lengths, pu- befcent. Spikets nearly upright, egg-fhaped, acute, lightly comprelTed, containing from 5 to 10 florets which lie over each other tiled-like. CalyXy valves unequal, pointed, Ikinny on the edges, keeled, covered with foft hairs, and having from 7 to 9 green nerves on the back. Corolla^ valves fimilar to the calyx: inner valve very flender: Awn rough, the length of the valves. erectus. B. Panicle upright ; peduncles fomewhat fimple : florets TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. 91 florets iancc-fliaped, nearly columnar: root- leaves very narrow, ciliated with fine hairs. Plentiful on the lands of Santry and Coo- lock — along the fides of the Royal canal, and fouth fide of the river Toker, county of Dublin. From my obfervations on this fpecies, both in its wild and cultivated Rate, I confider it as a good grafs both for meadow and pafture.. It is of good fize, not too coarfe, early in its fpring, quick in vegetation, and furniflies exceedingly well in leaves and ftems. In laying down mea- dows it would be a good grafs as a mixture; for although flender, it is an upright ftifF grow- ing grafs, not apt to lodge, or be any way in- jured by high winds or heavy rains, and would be a mean of preferving others from thofe ca- fualties which otherwife might happen from their debility. It is my opinion, that in laying down meadows, a portion of ftrong, (lifF, or coarfe graffes ought to be introduced, for the above purpofe; and as this fpecies anfwers both for meadow and aftergrafs, it would be a very defi* rable one for the purpofe. This. day, Jan. 19th, it is more forward in its growth, by an inch and half in the blade, than any other grafs in the -i^ 2 Gardea. 92 TRIANDllIA JDIGYXIA. GarcJen. There is a variety of this fpecies, whofe fpikets are longer, narrower, and fmooth; which frequently grows along with the olher. P.July. Irish. ^^^""^^^^J^^^ 'f'^^'^' \ Brumfher fneigh, l^nGi.isn.^Upright Brome-grafs, Ob. Roots fibrous. Stems nearly 3 feet, up- right, ftraight, cylindrical, fmooth, leafy better than half way, 4- knotted. Leaves nearly acute, {Iriated ; thofe from the root very narrow, with long white fine hairs which afcend but not in regular order. Sheath ftriated, fmooth, with a very fhort gnawed-like (lieath-fcalc. Panicle up- right; branches upright, many, and of various lengths. Calyx, valves lance fliaped, acure, keeled; inner valve largeft, three-nerved. Florets from 5 to 9, tiled. Awns^ fcarce the length of the glumes. Corolla^ inner valve lightly ciliated comb-like. Anthers, deep falFron colour. The cilice on the inner valve is lefs confpicuous in this fpecies than in any other of the genus. iif, iBrumfher aimrid, English. — Barren Brome-grafs, Ob. Roots fibrous. Stems from e| to 2 feet, upright, flender, Jeafy nearly to the top, from 5 to 6-knotted. Leaves fpreading, flat, fome- what weak, narrow, very foft on each Mc^ pubefcent and fomewhat rough on the margin. Sheath cylindrical, covered with very foft hairs which are fomewhat bowed. Sheath-fcale, ob- long, rent-like. Panicle drooping: branches often by three's, drooping, rough, very long, fimple, rarely fubdivided. Spikets flat, broader upwards. Caly^, 6 or 8-flowered ; valves very unequal, rough: larger valve ribbed, tapering to a point : fmaller one keeled. Corolla, larger valve ribbed, very rough, not hairy. Awns longer than the bloflx)m. B. Panicle drooping: fpikets egg-oblong, 8-flow. arvensis. ered : florets tiled, deprefl;ed, nearly fmooth. Found in low meadows, near Cullinagh, Queen's county. Mr. J. T. Mackay's Catalogue of rare Plants. Not 95 TRIANDRIA DTGYNIA. Not recoIIe£ting to fee this fpccies cultivatc(^ in any quantity in the Botanic gardens, I can form no judgment as to its agricultural value. I have given it as a native grafs on the autho- rity of Mr. J. T. Mackay, A- July. Irish. LBrumfher machaire, English.— r-F/V/i Brome-grafs, ^'Ivaticus. B. Spike fimple, drooping, pointing one way: fpikets fitting, diftant, nearly cylindrical: awn longer than the blolTom: leaves hairy. Common in woods and hedges. It is a fpecies of little worth for cultivation, being a harfti looking grafs, not very prolific in either ftems or leaves. It appears bed on the fides of (hady ditches, and in low bufliy places at the verges of woods; and in fuch places may afford nourifliment to cattle in warm weather, when they withdraw to (hade, but I have often remarked they feemed not to like it. P. June. July. Irish. THIANDRIA DIGYNlAo 97 Irish 5^^^^f^^t^ f jOt)&ctt). LBrumfber fiodhhhadh. English. — Slender Wood Brome-grafs. Ob, Roots fibrous. Stems 2 feet, upright^ fimple, leafy, inclining to taper near the top. Leaves fpreading, fonfiewhat broad, pointed, flriated underneath, fringed with long white hairs. Sheath ftraight, flriated, hairy, with a Ihort blunt rent-Iike Iheath-fcale. Spike fimple, drooping, 3 inches long. Spikets 6 or 7, ternate, fitting, pointing one way, pubefcent, and containing from 6 to 9 florets each. Calyxy valves unequal, lance- fhaped, pointed awn-like, and hairy towards the top. Corolla, inner valve linear, ciliated with upright flifF awn-like hairs. Jwri longer than the blofTom. B. Spike fimple, upright, 2-rowed : fpikets fit- ting, nearly cylindrical: awn fhorter than the blofrom: leaves almofl without hairs. It grows in dry hilly woodlands. Found' by Doaor Scott in the county of Fermanagh, and in hedges near Culiinagh, Queen's county, by Mr. Bradbury. Mr. J. T. Mackay's Cata« ^ |ogue 98 TRIANDRIA DlGYNIA« logue of rare Plants. A more harfli grafs than the former, and worfe in every refpeft for agricultural purpofes. P. July. Aug. * I Briimfher fgiathanach. English.— PF/>^^i, or Pinnated Brome-gra/s. Ob. Roots fibrous but fomewhat creeping. Stems from li to 2 feet, upright, fimple, cy- lindrical, very fmooth. Leaves nearly upright, fpear-ihaped, pointed, ftiffifh, rough, feldom hairy. Sheath-fcale fhort, blunt, ciliated. Spike fimple, upright, of various length : fpikets from 6 to 10, alternate, fitting, two-rowed but not pointing one way, and their flat fides turned towards the ftem, containing from 6 to 10 florets each, which lie clofely tiled. Calyx, valves nearly equal, lance-fhaped, fomewhat awned, many-nerved, and hairy at the margin. Corolla, inner valve retufe, ciliated with upright briftle-like hairs as in the former. Awn fliorter than the bloiTom, terminating. mtcus, B. Panicle drooping : fpikets 4- flowered, fhorter than the awns: leaves fword-Ihapcd, nerved. It TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA, 99 It grows in woods and moift hedges. Lut- trell's-town wood, county of Dublin — Grey- Abby wood, county of Down-^Knappin wood^ county of Antrim. This is a tall coarfe grafs, which produces leaves in quantity, but not very produflive in items. In a ftate of cultivation it appears well as a coarfe grafs, but requires a renewal every three years; for thofe ftems with their root-leaves, which flower, generally rot the following year, and caufe a great deficiency in the plant. It is alfo liable to be injured by cattle feeding on it, being fo eafily pulled out of ground by their nipping; for it gene- rally encreafes by offsets, whofe fibres take but a flight hold in the earth, I don't con- fider it as a grafs worthy of cultivation, unlefs in fliady woods or fuch like places, svbere its fibres would take better hold, and where others more valuable would' not thrive. Sheep, cows^, goats and horfes eat it. p. June. July, Irish. 100 TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA, Irish. < ' ' ^ _ , (Brumfber atiheach. English. — Gigantic Brome-grafs. Ob. Roots fibrous. Stems from 3 to 4 feet, , upright, cylindrical, flriated, leafy. Leaves nearly upright, fwordrfl^aped, pointed, i foot long or more, broad, fiat, rough on each fide and on the margin. Sheath long, firiated, fmooth, without hairs, with a fiiort purple gnawed-like flieath-fcale furroundijig the ftem. Panicle drooping : branches in pairs, fubdivided, angulated, rough. Spikets alternate, fmooth, drooping, and containing from 4 to 6 florets. Calyx ^ valves unequal, keeled, tapering to a point; inner one broadefl: and tjiree-neryedc Corolla, inner valve as long, and nearly as broad as the outer, acute, not ciliated. Awn twice the lepgth of the blofibm or more. A¥ENA. TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. 101 AVENA. Cal, 2-valved, many-flowered : awn from the back of the bloffom, twifted, A. Panicled: calyx s-flowered : male floret datiar, awned: hermaphrodite floret fometim©s awn- l.efs: roots bjalbous. It grows in meadows, paflures, wet damp places, and hollow ways. This grows very tall, furmounting all others in meadows where it naturally inhabits. It is a good grafs as hay, furnifliing well in leaves and flems, and has the good property of fending forth after- grafs in abundance. It is not very apt to lodge, and it continues flowering fucceffively a con- liderable time. It anfwers in mofl: foils, and is not choice in its fituations. Were an equal quantity of the feed of Poa trivialis and Poa nemoralis mixed, and if to this quantity in mix- ture were added an equal quantity of the Avena elatior, I fliould imagine a good crop of hay would be the refult. For Avena ela- tior being a tall grafs, fomewhat coarfe and ^Irong, it would in fuch proportion be a fup- port 102 TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. port and a fliade to both thefe other graffes, whofe leaves and (lems are fine, and thrive bed when in jfhade and mixture. They would befides be an improvement to the Avena ela- tior, to qualify and make it more palatable to cattle. They are three gralTes which give great aftergrafs, therefore the produfl as fuch mud be valuable in conjundion. There is a variety of this grafs without awns, which grows near LuttrelFs-town along the way fide. P. July. Aug* CCoittce xihwe-. Irish. <^ ^' ^' (Coirce air do, English. — Tall Oat-grafs, Ob. Roots bulbous, fometimes a double pear- ftaped bulb one above the other. Sterns upright, from 3 to 4 feet or more, fimple, leafy, fraooth. Leaves rough above and on the edges. Sheath- fcale fiiort, dented. Panicle upright: branches in femiwhirls, rough. Male Jloret with a large awn placed towards the bafe: hermaphrodite floret very Ihort, nearly terminating. pib??ctm. A. Panicle fpike-like: calyx 3-flowered : bloffom bearded at the bafe \ leaves flat, downy. Frequent TRIANDIIIA DIGYNIA. 103 Frequent in dry paftures and meadows. This is not a very prolific grafs, bearing but few ftems which are feeble, and its foliage (liort which are very bitter. It is an early grafs, and llieds its feed vefy foon after being ripe. In an agricultu- ral point of view of no great value, unlefs as a variety amongfl others, being a fightly grafs, from its purplifli and filvery white flowers. P. June, ^ ^Co)|ice clujifidt). iRlSH< \ tCoirce cluimhadh. English. — Downey 0 at ^ grafs, Pubefcent OaU grafs. Ob. Roots fibrous. Stems from i to 2 feet, upright, fimpic, nearly cylindrical, fmooth, leafy. Leaves fpreading, fhort, blunt, flat, covered each fide, as likewife the lower flieaths with foft downy hairs. Panicle upright, fpike-like, not much branched, nearly inclining one way. Calyx, valves very unequal, rough on the keel, acute at top, awnlefs: inner valve double the length of the outer. Corolldy inner valve fmalleft, and nar- rowed:, awnlefs and rough on the edge: outer valve with an awn placed on the back below the middle. Awn twice the length of the calyx. P. June. July. A. Panicle 104 TllIANDRIA DIGYNIA- f.arescens. A. Fanicle loofe; calyx 3-flowerecl, fliort : all the florets awned: leaves flaccid, moflly pu- bcfcent. It grows in meadows, paflures, on hl^ls and way fides. A good meadow grafs, producing much ftems which are very fine, as likewife its foliage, and would be an acceptable fpecies as a mixture in any meadow. From obfervations I have made in the Botanic gardens, in the farmer's divifion, where a plot is allotted to this grafs, it always appeared to be in good quantity, and looked remarkably well. It holds its ground but is generally lodged, owing to the debility of its ftems, and is, on this account, more defirable in mixture than feparate. P. June. Sept. Irish. ; ^ . n n 7 i^Coirce orfholltacb. English.— r^//oia Oat-grafs, 7'ellow Oat, Tcl^ low-haired Oat-grafs, Ob. Roots fibrous, fomewhat creeping. Stems ji feet, upright, fomewhat branched at bafe, leafy, ftriated, 3.knotted, and often with fmall hairs TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. 305 hairs under the knots. Leaves flat, acute, lefs or more pubefcent. Sheath ftriated, with a fome- what hairy flieath-fcale. Panicle fomewhat droop- ing, loofe, firfl a yellow green, then changing to a golderl yellowj very much branched: branches in femiwhirls : little branches rough, fomewhat waved. Calyx, valves acute, keeled, very une- qual. Corolla, inner valve fomewhat fliorter but more narrow. Awn nearly twice as long as the blolTo'm. A. Panicle fpike-like : calyx 5-flowered : leaves pratensis, ftiiF, edges rolled inwards. Heaths and high chalky grounds. I have entered this fpecies as a native on the autho« rity of the Botanic Catalogue, by Mr. John Underwood. This grafs is not very prolific in flems, nor are its leaves very long. It is a fpecies not worthy the notice of the agricolturlft, either for meadow or paflure, as being rigid in its leaves, and not a very defirable fize in flems. Sheep, goats, cows and horfcs eat it. P. June. July. P Irish. 106 TRIANDRIA BIGYKIA. ' ^ Coirr^ moinfber, English. — Meadow Oat-grafs, Ob. Roots fibrous. Stems i foot or more, upright, (Iraight, fimple, flriated, with one knot towards the bafe. Leaves, thofe from the root {trap>fliaped, acute, rigid, and doubled together : thofe on the ftem broader, nerved. Sheath very long, fmooth, with a fpear-fliaped flieath-fcale. Spike upright, moftly fimple ; fpikets, upper ones fitting: lower ones on foot-ftalks, thofe feldom in pairs. Calyx, valves nearly equal, acute, three-nerved, and the length of the under floret. Corolla, inner valve very flender, fringed with fmall hairs. Awn twice the length of the blolToiii, ARUNDO. CaL 2-valved: >r^/j heaped together, awnlefs, furrounded with down at the bafe. nragmitis. A. Calyx 5.flowered : panicle loofe. Common in rivers, lakes and ditches. This is a very TRIANDllIA DIGYNIA. 107 a very tall grafs, abundant in leaves and ftems, but very coarfe. It is frequently to be met with in low marfliy meadows, and at the edges of rivers; and although naturally growing ia fuch fituations, it bears cultivation on dry ground amazingly; for in feveral of the divifions in the Botanic gardens, where it happens to fall in the arrangements, it thrives remarkably, ^nd foon would extend itfeif were it permitted. However its utility to the agriculturift would be of little value, being a grafs, from its creeping roots, that he ought rather to extirpate than encourage. In its natural Situations it may not be fo ufelefs, as it forms a cover, and may be reliihed at times by fome fpecies of his cattle ; it would aifo anfwer for thatching, being more durable than draw, and might hkewife be ufed acrofs the frame of wood- work, as a foundation for plaifter floors. The flowers dye woollen green. Gows, goats and horfes eat it, P. Julyo ? 2 Irish. 108 TRIAXDRIA DIGYNIA. Irish. 1^^'^*^ '^mBPl^mS- ICuilc Cruifgiornagh. Biorach lachan, Birah laghon. Crui/giornab, E N GL I SK . — CommoJi Reed grafs. Ob. Rooti creeping. Stems upright^ from 4 to 6 feet, fimpie, knotted, leafy. Leaves lance- fliaped, pointed, fpreading, fmooth, rough oa the edgesj very even underneath, glaucous. Sheath cylindrical, flriated, fmooth, Vvith a very fliort gna\ved-like flieath-fcale furnifhed with hairs on each fide. Panicle nearly upright, fpreadi;.:g, very much branched and inciining one way. Spikets upright, from 4 to 6-flow- ered ; flowers furrounded with down at the bafe, which down is about the length of the florets, and rifes from the fpike-flalk. Calyx, valves very unequal, Jance-fliaped, acute, keeled: larger valve with three nerves. Corolla, inner valve double as fliort as the outer, and ciliated. A. Calyx i-fiowered, keeled : panicle upright, heaped : flowers pointing one way, awnlefs : leaves broad : flat. Common TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. 109 Common on the banks of rivers and fides of ponds. This is a tall fpecies which is abun- dantly fupplied with leaves and flems; it is a flrong coarfe grafs, which would be very pro- ductive in moifl lituations. If cultivated in fuch places, and a certain number of cattle put on it at a proper feafon, fo as to keep it in check, it might anfwer well as paflure; for the oftener it is cropt the more acceptable it is to cattle. It is very quick in growth, and would even thrive well in drier fituations than where it naturally inhabits; for in the Botanic gardens, in feveral parts, where it happens to fall in an arrangement, it thrives amazingly, and, although in dry fituations, furniflies an abundant crop. It is an excellent thatch for ricks or cottages, and lads much longer than flraw. There are two varieties of this fpecies, one with filver liriped, the other with gold- ftriped leaves, which are often met growing with it : they are accidental varieties, and if taken in and cultivated will continue their variegation. The two varieties are in the Bo- tanic gardens, and were introduced from their wild fituations fpme years back. Sheep, cows, goats and horfes eat i^-. P. July. Irish, no XraAXDRlA DIGYNIA. Irish, i tCuilc ioldathach, English. — Canary Reed grafs, The 'variegated kinds are known by the names of Ribband-grafs. Fainted Lady grafs. Ladies Traces^ b'^. Ob. Roots creeping, matted. Stems from 3 to 5 feet, upright, cylindrical, leafy, fmooth, many-knotted. Leaves fpreading, lance- fliaped, fomewhat acute, even on each fide and on the edges. Sheath nerved, fv^^oln, fmooth, with a fliort and fomewhat blunt flieath-fcale. Panicle upright, branched, dividing in little lobe-like cluiters : little branches angulated, rough. Calyx^ valves unequal, flatted, keeled, three-nerved, nearly acute, rough on the keel, and con- taining one floret. CoroUay valves equal, hairy on the outflde : outer valve broadeft and en- clofmg the inner, A. Calyx one-flowered, longer than the co- rolla: panicle fpike-like: flowers upright, awnlefs : IcAves, edges rolled inwards, pointed thorn-like at the end. - This TRIAXDRIA DIGYNIA. Hi This plant is generally met with on dry Tandy fea fliores, and in fuch places is not without value, for it forms great tufts, and would,, if cultivated upon the fea fliore, pre- vent the wind from difperfing the fand over many fertile acres' of land' adjoining.^ Mr. J. T. Mackay, in his Catalogue of rare Plants, mentions it as growing abundantly on the fandy beach at the bottom of Burren mountains, county * There are three grafTes, although not indigenoa?, that may not be unworthy of notice in this place, from their utility in forming a bank againft the irruptions of the waves; they are all of the gemas Elymus, and the fpecies are the arenarius, geniculatus, and giganteus. To Gentlemen, whofe grounds extend along the fea Ihore, the cultivation of thefe grafTes would be of the lUmoft importance. They are ftrong and tall- growing, thick and prolific in their ftems, and the roots extend and go fo deep in the ground, that any cover thrown on them by the tides would rather improve than retard their growth : they would foon form a bank that would effedually pre- vent the encroachments of the fea. In flopping the fly- ing fands they are fuperior to the Arundo arenaria. A line of thefe grafTes, planted along the fea fhore from Clontarf to Sutten, would have prevented the banks from being worn away by the waves, and would have preferved the car-way, which was formerly pafTable, but is now a flooded ftrand. Gentlemen who vlfit the Botanic gar- dens, by viewing thefe three fpecies, may judge of their utility for the above purpofe. 112 TRIANDRIA DIGYNIAo county of Clare, and it is there confidered valuable for feeding cattle in winter, as in that country ftraw and hay arc both very fcarcc. It makes an excellent thatch for houfes, and will fometimes laft for twenty years. Cattle will cat of it in winter, but in fummer they leave it untouched. The flowers and feed are poflefled of an emetic quality, and may be ufed where the ordinary emetics cannot be ob- tained. They vomit ftrongly, but are not dangerous in their operation. P. July. Irish 5^^^^^ tn-viiijuilctt). '\Cuik Muiriunadh, Muiriunach. Maithine. Meha'ui. English. Sea Reed-grafs. Sea Matweed. Marram, Helme,, Ob. Roots creeping, jointed, extending widely and to fome diftancc. Stems afcending, nearly 3 feet, ftifF, fmooth, knotted, knee-bent at the bafe, leafy. Leaves upright but fpreading, ftraight, rigid, rolled inwards on the edges, ending dagger-pointed, furrowed above, and very even underneath. Sheath nerved, fmooth, with an elongated acute flxeath-fcale. Panicle upright, TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. ] 13 upright, fpike-Iike ; branches fliort, upright, and lying clofe. Calyx, valves nearly equal, acute, rough on the keel, and fomewhat longer thaa the floret. Corolla, valves lance^fhaped, unequal, rough on the keel: outer valve gnawed-like at top and encloling the inner. LOLIUIVE, CaL 1. valve, fitting, many-flowered : florets 2-rowed. L, Spike awnlefs: fpikets compreffed, many- psnnne, flower«ed, longer than the calyx. A very common grafs in meadows, pailures, way.fidcs ajid wade places. It is a good grafs for either meadow or pafture. As a meadow grafs, when in mixture with others, or even feparate, it is valuable, from its ftems being abundant, of good Cze, not coarfe, and its feed being nutritive; it alfo carries weight, though it does not bulk well. As a pafture grafs, it is hardy, early, continuing its verdure during the 114 TRIANDKIA DIGYNIA. the winter, rapid in the growth of its foliage, and not averfe to any foil. Notwithftandingi all thefe good qualities, I have often heard it fpoken lightly of. However, many gentlemen and farmers are not aware that this grafs in its feed fliould be changed once in every four years at lead ; as is commonly the cafe through- out this iHand with potatoes and oats. This I have experienced in the Botanic gardens; for I have remarked whenever I brought in a variety of this grafs from any diftance, fuch as eight or ten miles, it throve better than any I had colkaed in or about the ground. From what I had heard at Le£lure, I con- fider Mr. Pacey's Ray- grafs (for which he has fo confiderable demand) to be an improved variety of the Lolium perenne. This improve- ment I take to be owing to nothing elfe than the change of foil; for, as I have remarked, it will degenerate, as potatoes and corn do, if there be not a change either in feed or foil. About thirty years ago I recollecl that whole fields of this grafs were cultivated at Rathef- c-ar, a country feat belonging at that time to the Rt. Hon. |ohn Foftcr, and was efteemed t)y TillANDRIA DIG YNIA. J l!S by the oldeft men and farmers as the mofl valuable grafs. If I do not miflake the feed was imported ; however in the fourth crop it began to decline, which circunrtftance confirms me in the opinion, that change of feed is ne- cefTary in this fpecies, I therefore {hould con- fider Mr. Pacey's Ray-grafs to be no other than the Loliun perenne. The feed he colle^ls from a wild ftate, and fows, it improves by the change ; with this improved feed he fupplies his cuftomers, with whom it ftill further improves from the varia- tion of foil. This procefs he repeats annually, and thus I would account for the fuperiority of the Ray-grafs for which this gentleman is \ diflinguifhed. If any gentleman or farmer will caufc to be colledted a fmall quantity of the Loliura perenne, which grows fome miles dif- tant from his eftate or farm, particularly if he collect it from old paftures or mountain grounds, and that he fows it in a part of his foil which is neither too rich nor too poor, the refuit will demonftrate that the fuperior excellence of Mr. Pacey's Ray-grafi depends on that operation. He may likewife obferve, that in the courfe of the fourth crop, if not re- Q_ 2 newed 116 TEIANDRIA DIGYNIA. nfewcd as above, it S^ill degenerate fo its for* mer natural manner of growth. There arc varieties of this grafs, one with broad fpikes, one with round fpikets, and one whofe fpike is fomewhat branched ; they are all to be met with pretty frequently. Cows, horfes and flieep cat it. Goats are not fond of it. P. June. July. JLR.ISPI. \ ^koille marthanach. Raidhlead. Roille. English. — Perennial Darnelgrafs* Ray-grafs* Red Darnel'grafs, Crap. Ob. Roots fibrous. Stems i foot or more, upright, knotted, knee-bent at the bafe, leafy, cylindrical, fmooth. Leaves linear, keeled, fmooth. Sheath ftriated, fmooth, with a fhort blunt llieath-fcale furrounding the flem. Spike nearly upright, two-rowed, flatted. Spikets al- ternate, upright, egg- fliaped, comprefs, many- flowered, and fometimes awned. Calyx of one valve, lance fliaped, fomewhat hollow iillidc, acute, awnlefs, and nearly twice as jttiort as the TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. 117 the fpiket. Corolla^ inner valve fmalleft, cili- ated, concave. L. Spike awnlefs, cylindrical : fpikets three- teme. flowered. It generally grows in dry paflures, and on declivities. On the lands about Collon, Tinure, and Fuinfog, county of Louth. Above Scrib- ble's-town, near the Obfervatory, where it had been previoufly obferved by Dcaor Brinkley, county of Dublin. It is a flender grafs in its leaves, ftems and fpikes, and very little infe- rior to the former, except that it is fmaller in every refpe(St. I prefume it is only a variety of the for- mer; for although I have frequently found it with its fpikets containing but three florets, yet when I introduced and cultivated it in the Gardens, its fpikets produced five florets, and the whole plant appeared very little inferior to the Lolium perenne. Perhaps this may be attributed to change of foil. Cattle eat it. P. June. July. Irish, 118 TRIAXDRIA DIGYNIA. Irish. < LRoille caoL • - English. — Shider Darnel-grafs. Slender Ray- grafi. Ob. Similar to the former in every refped but being more {lender, and its calyx being fomerhing longer, alfo its fpikets containing but three florets when in its wild ftate. temulmtum. L. Spike awned : fpikets (liorter than the calyx: flems rough at top. It generally grows in ploughed lands, among oats, wheat, and fometimes flax. Ihis grafs bears ftems, leaves and feed in abundance; the feeds arc large, mealy and nutritive, and were it relilhed by cattle, when made into hay, mud be very fubftantial. It might be fown with red clover, and would anfwer as fodder in a recent i^ate. Its further utility, in an agricultural point of view, would be but little. In wheat and oat fields it is a great peft ; the feed is often ground with them into meal, and when made into bread, if eaten when hot, caufes a diz- zincfs TRIANDFvIA DIGYNIA. 119 zinefs In the bead not unlike drunkenn fs, but if eaten when cold produces but little cSc£t, Brewers and diflillers, when purchafing barley, do not think it difadvantageous to have a fmall quantity of this grain mixed therein ; as it is of an inebriating quality, as its name imports. In Oughterard, in that part of the county of Galway called Cunnamara, the in- habitants are obliged, before they flack their grain, to open every fheaf, and glean oat this grafs. Sheep are not fond of it. A. June. July» IRISH. ' ^ ' ^ tRoille Br eoi Heart. Ruinhelais. Ruinhelean, Bod a rlnker. English.— Annual Darnelgrafs, Pdvery, Ob. Roots fibrous. Stems upright, 2 feet, firm, cylindrical, three-knotted, leafy, very fraooth below, rough above. Leaves lance- fhaped, fpreading, rough. Sheath flriated^ fomewhat rough, with a very fnort blunc ere- nulated (heath-fcale. Spike upright, fimilar to the former, but much groffer. Calyx, valve lance-fliaped, fomewhat acute, awnlefs, ftriated, and 120 TEIANDRIA DIGYNIA. and generally longer than the fpiket; the ter- minating fpiket with a two-leaved calyx : and the lowermoft fpikets have a minute inner leaf to the calyx. Corolla, inner valve awnlefs, don- cave, fomewhat ciliated. arjeiise. L. Spike awnlefs, rather fliorter than the ca- lyx: flems very frnooth. It grows an:iong corn, and in potatoe fields. In corn fields about Roche's-town, and potatoe fields about Glafnevin, county of Dublin. Its value in agriculture may be confidered in the fame point of view as the Lolium temulentum, A. June. July. Irish. < iRoille hranar. English. — Corn^ or White Darnel-grafs, Ob. It is not fo common as the former, to which it is very fimilar, but may be dif- tinguifhed from it by its (lems being frnooth^ its calyx not being longer than the fpiket, and by the latter being awnkfs. ROTBOLLIA, TRIAJCDRIA DIGYNIA. 121 ROTBOLLIA* Cat. of I or 2 valves, egg- fpearfliaped, flat : incurvata. florets alternate on a zigzag fpike-flalk. R. Spike cylindrical, awl-fhaped, curved : ca- lyx, hulk awlfliaped, lying clofe to the fpike-flalk, divided into two^ It grows in wet paftures, and places along the fea fiiore. In old quarries at the fand banks between Baldoyle and Howth. In wet marflies below Irifhtown, county of Dublin. In a fait marfli a little below Cork, and on the fouth ifles of Arran. Mr. J. T. Mackay's Ca- talogue of rare Plants. It is a grafs of little or no value to the farmer. A. Aug. Irish. P^^?'^^'^ T^'^'f^S^- IDurfher fairge. English.— Hard-grafs. Ob. Roots fibrous. Stems many, decumbept at the bafe, branched, very fmooth, leafy. Leaves fpreading, linear, acute, flat, rough above and on the edges. Sheatb fliorter than «■ the 122 tria:n^dri A DIGYXIA. the leaves, fomewhat fwollen, with a fliort blunt flieath-fcale. Spike terminating, folitary, cylindrical, fomewhat bowed, fmooth, and con- taining many florets. Calyx, valves placed out- wardly, flrap-fpearftiaped, acute, fmooth; one valve expanding when the pollen is ripe. Flowers folitary, fomewhat fliorter than the ca- lyx : valves fkinny on the edges, nearly equal, awnlefs. ELYMUS. caninus. Cal. lateral, 2.valved, feveral together, many- flowered. E. Spike upright, compa£l; fpikets upright, without an involucrum : the lowermofl in pairs. It grows in woods and hedges. On the way-fide and in hedges between Knockmarron- hill and Lucan-bridge. In the wood, and in hedges at Luttrell's-town, county of Dublin. This grafs grows pretty tall, furnifliing well in leaves and ftems, yet not very defirable for meadow TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. 1^3 meadow or pafture, as being rather wiry, and as its fpikes have long awns, which would caufe the hay to be rather unpalatable to cattle, nor is its aftergrafs prolific. It bears a great refemblance to the Triticum repens, or Couch-grafs, but may be diflinguiflied from it by its fibrous roots, which do not creep in the ground as thofe of the Triticum repens. English. — Bearded Lyme-grafs. Bearded Wheat" grafs. Ob. Roots fibrous, not creeping^ Stems many, upright, ftraight, 2 feet or more, leafy, very fmooth. Leaves ftrap-lpearfhaped, acute, nerved, flat, rough on each fide and fometimes hairy. Sheath ftriated, fmooth, with a very minute flieath-fcale. Spike from 3 to 4 inches, nearly upright. Calyx^ valves equal, lance- lhaped, ending awn-like. Corolla^ inner valve ciliated : awns twice as long as the florets. P. July- Aug. Irish. a St HORDEUM. 124 TRIANDRI A DIGY Is lA, HORDEUM. CaL Lateral, 2-valved, i-flowered; 3 together. murinum. H. Lateral florets male: awned: involucrum of the intermediate florets fringed. Very common along way fldes and walls, particularly about the vicinity of Dublin. This grafs fends forth leaves and ftems in great quantity, and before the flower fpike appears is reliflied much by cattle ; but afterwards is gather difagreeable and injurious to them, froni the awns or beard of the ears which flick in their mouths and caufe a forenefs that renders them incapable of eating for fome time. Along the pathways in the vicinity of Dub- lin, where this grafs is to be met with, I have obfervcd that whilft it is in foliage, it is generally kept down by cattle, but when flioot- ing for flower is afterwards left untouched. Unlefs for its leaves before the appearance p£ the fpike, it is an unprofitable and unfit grafs for cultivation, being one that fliould be Cc^utioufly TRTANJDRIA DIGYNXA. 125 cautioufly avoided in a farm for the reafons above-mentioned. Sheep and borfes eat k. A. July. Aug, (frontlet balliX, Irish. < ^ ' (Eorna bulla, Cuifog fhinn. English. — Wall Barley, Way Bennet, Wild Rye, Rye-grafs, Moufe-ear Barley, Ob. Roots fibrous. Stems many, i foot, nearly upright, decumbent, knotted, and knee- bent at the bafe, fpreading, leafy. Leaves fpr^ading, linear-lanceolate, acute, ftriated, rough. Sheath almoft the length of the leaves, fomewhat bellying out, ftriated, very fmooth, with a very &ort (heath- fcale. Spike upright, from 2 to 3 inches, many-fiowered. Spikets 2-rowed, tiled. C^/y^i?, outer valve bridle-like; inner one three-nerved, ciliated comb-like and all awned. Awns ftraight, very rough, and double the length of the glumes. Florets fo- litary, lance-fliaped, awned: Awns longer than thofe of the calyx: innpr valye blunt, pointed. H. Lateral 126 TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. H. Lateral florets male, awned: involucrum briflle-fliaped, rough. the Royal canal from the Crofs-guns to Blan- cherftown — meadows between the Crefcent and Clontarf, county of Dublin. The foliage of this fpecies is far inferior to that of the for- mer in quantity and iize, yet in mixture with other grafles it produces a tolerable fhare of ftcms, which are not fo injurious to cattle in their effect as the other, but neverthelefs a grafs not to be recommended to the agriculturift for cultivation either in mixture or feparate. English. — Meadow Barley. Ob. Roots fibrous. Stems i~ feet, upright, (lender, leafy, naked above, fmooth. Leaves fpreading, linear, acute, fomewhat rough. Sheath not much bellying, ftriated, fmooth, with a fmall flieath-fcale. Spike as in the for^ Moifl: meadows and padures. Meadows along P. July. Aug„ raer, TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. 127 mer, but more flcnder, and its awns fliorter, CalyXy valves equal, very narrow, briftle-fliaped, rough, awned. Florets moftlj^ as in the for- mer, but the lateral ones on longer foot-flalks, and much fliorter in the awns. H. Lateral florets male, awned, rough on the maritimum, back; middle floret hermaphrodite, with a long awn: involucrum rough. In fandy and gravelly banks along the fea fliore between Swords and Rufli, but not in quantity. A grafs of little value. It is rather injurious to cattle, if accidentally introduced among hay, from its fl:ifF awns. A. July. Aug. Irish 5^^^^^ tt1ie-)5 92 copcpn 64 cunictt!5t)T!lt?6 6 tHOtldt)- • • • • • 4 u 2 Page 102 Co)|tce cIyi nixtt) • • • • ] 03 0|t^oUc:a6 • • 104 ttiojti^f|i 106 it&ctc . • 132 ttict6a)^ict 81 fojttectrfi'vit • • 85 ^jtice 76 fticttimjjU • • 83