HORDEUM.
Gene. Chae. Calyx lateral, with two valves and one floret In each; three together. Gen. Plant.
HORDEUM MURINUM. {spec. pum.
Way-side Barley.
Seec. Chae. Lateral florets male, with aristae; fence of the central floret lanceolate at
the base, and fringed with hair.
This common Barley is almost universally to be found near cottages, about the pathways in the streets
of villages, and in bhurch-yards, and when onice established, will keep possession of its station for a
long term of years.----------The structure of this genus is very curious, and all our British species form
a very natural arrangement, yet sufficiently distinguished from each other by strong and permanent
characters: in this species the fences of the male, or lateral florets, are shorter than the ansta which
terminates those abortive florets.----------In some places Hordeum murinum occasionally intrudes in the
upland grass fields, and the hay in such cases is almost rejected by cattle, as the sharp spines that
constitute the beard attach themselves to the mouth of the beast, causing irritation and pain, and
teaze the animal instead of nourishing him: of this disadvantage we are sensible, of its virtues we
remain in ignorance, and though it loves' the neighbourhood and association with man, yet it seems,
in no instance deserving his protection.
A, set o f Florets taken from the common receptacle.
B, the valves of the central and fertile Floret.