growth, aggregated (not tufted), thick and robust towards
the creeping root, and easily torn out of the ground. The
leaves are long, scarcely more than two lines broad, erect;
gradually acuminated, slightly rough at the keel and margin,
somewhat glaucous. Stem obtusely triangular, firm,
smooth. Bracteas foliaceous, erect, rising above the spikes;
sheaths none. Fertile spikes 3—4, cylindrical; the upper
ones sessile ; the lower ones more or less pedunculate,
often near twro inches in length, and attenuated downwards.
Sterile spikes 2—3, besides which the uppermost
fertile ones are often terminated with barren flowers.
Calycine glumes oblong-lanceolate, about as long as the
fruit, but narrower. Fruit obovato-globose, with a very
short entire point. Stigmas two.
This species is compared with C. stricta by Wahlenberg,
with which it has certainly most affinity. It differs in the
long foliaceous bracteas, and the obtusely angular stem, and
in the absence of the filamentous reticulation at the sheathing
bases of the leaves.
In places formerly very moist, but from which the water
has gradually drained, the plants were observed to have
dwindled down to nine or ten inches in height; the spikes
shorter and closer together. In more favourable spots
they are very nearly two feet. In Lapland, however, they
much exceed this size, and are, besides, said to grow in the
streams and lakes throughout the whole of the wooded
portion of the alpine and sub-alpine districts. It is remarkable,
therefore, as Dr. Graham justly observes, (Phil.
Journ. Oct. 1832,) that our plant should never be seen off
the naked and exposed table-land of the mountains, where,
as far as we know, it is never found actually growing in
the water.
The plant distributed by the Unio Itineraria in 1828 as
the C. aquatilis, Wahl., I believe, with my friend Dr. Graham,
to be only G. ccespitosa.—R. K. G.