744 BOTANY OF THE SPR1NGSURE DISTRICT, 



a tall fragrant grass, but it is not relished by stock. It may- 

 be recognised by its white, woolly seed-heads, and the seeds as 

 it were broken downwards, from which this species derives its 

 name. A. bombieinus is the most conspicuous grass in the district, 

 b ut, like the preceding species, it is not at all relished by cattle, 

 and it will be recognised by its long erect spikes of wool seeds. 

 The " Spear-grass," Heteropogon contortus, is common on the 

 downs, though not plentiful, and but for its destructive seeds is 

 one of our best pasture grasses. Chrysopogon parviflorus is a 

 pretty grass, and cattle are fond of it, but it is not plentiful in 

 this district. Cenchrus australis affects moist banks, and is a very 

 nutritious grass, but its long spile es of clinging seeds prevent 

 cattle from feeding on it. We also noticed the two pretty little 

 grasses Lapago racemosa and Perotis rara ; regarding the latter 

 species I have noticed in the present dry season that goats will 

 not eat it even in places where there are no other grasses. 

 Pollinea fulva is a good perennial grass, and its long tawny spikes 

 are very conspicuous among the other herbage. Panicum decom- 

 positum and P. trachyraphis are excellent perennial grasses, and 

 they yield a large quantity of forage ; the latter species is the 

 prevailing grass on the downs. The tall perennial grass Ophiuris 

 corymbosa is also common, but is not suitable for pasture ; it is 

 the only species found in Australia. We found the tall orna- 

 mental grass, Leptochloa subdigitata, near Wills' Station, and a 

 species of Spinifex, probably S. Cunninghamii, on the summit of 

 the ranges near Sj)ringsure, and these with Cynodon dactylon, 

 u Couch Grass," Imperata arundinacea, Arundinella Nepalensis and 

 two or throe species of Aristida make up our list of native grasses. 

 When properly explored the Springsure mountains will evidently 

 yield several other rare plants, aud a week would be profitably 

 spent among them. 



