238 Transactions. — CJiemistry. 



the grasses named may be of much value, still there are ob- 

 jectionable features in the small volume of feed yielded 

 by the fescues, and the doubt as to the prairie-grass bearing 

 feeding off. 



To our minds the cultivation of some of the New Zealand 

 grasses opens up a subject of immense interest and import- 

 ance. There are four which we would name of value for this 

 problem — Microlena stipoides, Danthonia semiannularis, Poa 

 colensoi, and Poa kirkii. The first of these — Microlena — is a 

 native grass which has of late come into considerable repute 

 owing to its spreading habit and apparent ability to withstand 

 drought. On some of the east coast runs this grass has proved 

 of great value on account of the amount of food produced in 

 dry periods and the avidicy with which sheep and cattle eat 

 it. The second named, the Danthonia semiannularis, is also 

 a native grass of much value, although it is questionable 

 whether it will yield as much feed as the last named ; it is, 

 however, capable of adapting itself to considerable changes, 

 and may prove of value. Both of these grasses grow at 

 Okoroire in land of similar character to that at Taupo, and, 

 we think, can be established in the plains if attention is 

 given to the matter. We are indebted to Mr. Cheeseman 

 for the suggestion of the Poa colensoi and Poa kirkii. These 

 are subalpine plants growing in the South Island, and would 

 well repay the experiment of cultivation under the conditions 

 obtaining on the Kaingaroa Plains, and if once established 

 there could be no doubt of their value for feeding purposes. 

 This by no means exhausts the native grasses, but attention 

 should be given to those growing on the higher lands at 

 Otago, as these will be more nearly under the same conditions 

 as Taupo. 



Under favourable cultivation the alteration of the surface 

 of the ground will be marked, as there will be a reduction of 

 radiation of heat and moisture, whilst the wind-action on the 

 soil will be considerably lessened. We have already suggested 

 the growing of leguminous plants, and would advise the plant- 

 ing of furze in the more favourable situations. If this plant 

 can be established it will provide both food and shelter. That 

 there will be a difficulty in this we have no doubt ; in fact, 

 Mr. Brownlie's letter, referring to our conversation on the 

 gorse, leans in this direction ; but this plant will prove of such 

 exceptional utility, especially in the mode of operations we 

 propose to adopt, that even temporary breakwinds might have 

 to be erected until the first rows of this plant were strong 

 enough to resist wind-pressure. 



We have shown that the soil, so far as its constituents are 

 concerned, with the exception of nitrogen, is well able to 

 supply the necessary food for plants in considerable quantities. 



