7.>J 



THE FLOKA OF NORFOLK ISLAND, 



Miscellaneous Grasses. 



Paspalum dUatatiim, Poir., introduced by Colonel Spalding. 



Stenotaphrum americanum, Schrank, the common Buffalo Grass 

 of Australia, but not of America. 



Sonjhum halepense, Pers. (Syn. Trachjpogon avenaceus, Nees, 

 Endl., Prod. Xorf. 55). Hay grass of the Island. 



Phalaris canariensis, Linn. "Canary Grass." 



Ammophila arundinoxea, Host. {Psamma arenaria, Roem. ife 

 Scimlt.). The Marram Grass, planted at Emily Bay. 



DactrjUs glomerata, Linn. " Cocksfoot." 



]>roriius arenarius, Labill. (?) No specimens brought. 



Bromus unioloides, H. B. and K. (Ceratochha u7iioloides, DC). 



Lolium perenne, Linn. '' Rye Grass." 



Couch {Cynodon dactylon) is the common pasture grass of the 

 Island. Evidence of its value as fodder is the fact that the stock 

 rarely feed on anything else, and look well on it. 



Buffalo Grass {Stenotaphrum americamim) is now conmon on 

 the grassy hills adjacent to the Cascades, and is spreading over 

 the Island, having been deliberately planted by the people. 

 With us it is looked upon as of little value, as stock rarely eat it, 

 and thus it encroaches on the more valuable Couch. In Govern- 

 ment House Grounds, Sydney, for example, the State has been to 

 very considerable expense in eradicating Buffalo Grass, as stock 

 will not touch it, and it threatened to destroy the fine grass in 

 the paddocks. I would, therefore, urge on the Islanders the very 

 great desirabihty of not further planting Buffalo Grass until it 

 has been proved that it is nutritious, and that it is readily eaten 

 by^stock. I am quite aware that it is possible for a grass to be a 

 pest in the pasture in New South Wales and a valuable fodder 

 plant in Norfolk Island, but the onus of proof rests with those 

 who propagate it. Of course it is a valuable sand and earth 

 binder, and hence is useful for the construction of banks, etc., 

 by engineers. 



The Marram Grass, planted in the vicinity of Emily Bay a few 

 years ago, is flourishing, and no doubt will in time prove a valuable 



