BY J. H. MAIDEN. 143 



there are " spikes 2, close together, or the lower at a distance of 1 

 to 2 lines." In my specimens 3 spikes frequently spring from the 

 same point or one of them is scarcely below the other two (at a 

 distance of 1 or 2 lines at the utmost). In a few cases there are 

 4 spikes similarly springing almost from the same point. The 

 presence of more than two spikes naturally suggests P. scrobicu- 

 latum, but the shape and markings of the outer glumes is 

 precisely that of P. dlstichum, with which it absolutely agrees in 

 all respects saving the number of spikes in some instances. If it 

 be considered to name it a variety on this ground, the name 

 anomalum might perhaps be given. 



Oplismenus compositus, Beauv., var. setarius. — On the island 

 they call it " Wallaby Grass " and " Dog's Medicine Grass." The 

 origin of the latter name is obvious; that of the former not so, 

 as there are no wallabies on the island. 



Phragmites communis, 7'r^?^.^"Sea Cane or Reed." It is 

 eaten down by the cattle, the stalks being sweet, 



Spinifex hirsutus, Lahill. — Known as " Beach Grass." Used 

 for bedding for animals and accounted the best the islanders have 

 for the purpose, 



Sporobolus iNDicus, R.Br. — " Rat-tail" or " Tussock Grass." 

 Said to have been introduced by Mrs. Robins 30 years ago, but I 

 do not doubt that it was on the island years before that. The 

 cattle crop it but it is not much esteemed. 



Chloris pumilio, R.Br. — See Hemsley's note. This grass is 

 recorded by Moore. I made diligent search for it but failed to 

 find it. At the same time it is only proper to say that it was 

 late for most grasses when I visited the island. I was, however, 

 on the island during the same time of the year as Moore. 



Imperata arundinacea, Cyr. — " Blady Grass." Not in 

 Hemsley's List. I found a large patch near Thompson's. 



I find the following in Hill's account (p. 17, folio edition. 

 Publication No. 1 of my Bibliography): — "The grasses are couch* 



* Cynodon dactylon. 



