NOTES AND EXHIBITS. 807 



that Leichhardt and his comrades perished in " Spinifex " 

 country. When these grasses are old and dry they are highly 

 inflammable, and when on fire give out terrific heat. It is 

 supposed that a " Spinifex " fire may have entirely destroyed all 

 traces of these illfated explorers. 



IBanlcum prenticeanum, Bail. — This remarkable grass attains a 

 height of fifteen or more feet when growing on rich land. It is 

 common in some parts of Northern Queensland, and is said to be 

 found in New Guinea also. 



Heteropogon insignis, Thw., is the giant "spear" grass of 

 North Australia. The spear-like bases of the matured flowering 

 glumes have been known to penetrate the skin and enter the 

 vital parts of cattle and cause death. It is a capital forage plant 

 before the flowering period. 



Andropogon sericeus, R.Br., var. polgsfacligus.— The typical 

 species has rarely more than three spikes, which are sessile at 

 the summit of a slender peduncle, but the variety has from ten 

 to thirty or more spikes all closely sessile in a terminal head. It 

 usually grows from 4-5 feet high, and is an excellent forage plant. 



B,ottboellia exceha, Linn,, is a remarkable species from tropical 

 Queensland, often growing more than 10 feet high. 



Sorgkum ififrans, F.v. M., is an exceedingly ornamental species 

 when in flower. It is fairly common in some parts of North 

 Australia. 



Panicu7n argenteum, R.Br. — The spikelets of this grass are 

 covered with long, silvery hairs, which give it quite an ornamental 

 appearance. 



Eriachne armitii, F.v.M, — The spikelets of this species are 

 covered with tubercles surmounted with spreading hairs. 



Anthistiria frondosa, R.Br., is one of the famous " Kangaroo" 

 grasses of North Australia. 



