M I L I U M .
Genb. Char. Calyx o f two obtuse valves, both' smooth; * corolla of two equal valves,
one in each calyx.
MILIUM EFFUSUM.{^.K«f.
Wood Millet.
Spec. Char. One British species only.
Milium eflusum is not the most universal, but perhaps as elegant as any of our sylvan grasses}
it seldom or never wanders from its much-lov’d shade, delighting in woody places, of sandy and
stony soils, in which it is readily observed by its wide-spreading and airy panicle, and sometimes
by its size, acquiring in particular situations the height of four or five feet: it flowers very early,
and in a favourable spring it is in perfection by the end of April. Branches issuing from opes point
in alternate bundles} leaves very broad, and when young with. a. {glaucous hue} a little rough in
the hand, and minutely serrated on the edges} stipulae large and long.--------- The wordeeffusus’ is
not inaptly given to this Millet-grass, as the abundance of its seed sufficiently bears witness, and
from its quantity it merits some attention: domestic poultry might perhaps thrive upon it} or it
might be given with advantage to swine, and tend to diminish the consumption of bread corn} a
desideratum that defective seasons have rendered too often distressingly necessary.--------- When diy,
or a little withered, the foliage has a pleasant smell like that of Anthoxanthum odoratum.
A, part o f a Branch enlarged.
B, the Calyx.
C, the Corolla.
D, the Germin, &c.
* When young, the valves of the calyx have some minute spines sprinkled over them, but become perfectly smooth
as the plant advances to maturity.