PHALARIS, or Canary-grass, in botany; a genus of the trigynia order, belonging to the triandria class of plants. The calyx is bivalved, carinated, and equal in length, containing the corolla. There are ten species, of which the most remarkable are the canariensis, or manured Canary-grass; and the arundinacea, or reed Canary-grass. These are both natives of Britain. The first grows by the road-sides; and is frequently cultivated for the sake of the seeds, which are found to be the best food for the Canary and other small birds. The second grows on the banks of rivers. It is used for thatching ricks or cottages, and endures much longer than straw. In Scandinavia they mow it twice a year, and their cattle eat it. There is a variety of this cultivated in our gardens with beautifully striped leaves. The stripes are generally green and white; but sometimes they have a purplish cast. This is commonly called Painted lady-grass, or ladies tressis.