74° Journal of Agriculture. [lo Dec, 1908. 



and run true to seed, it will be difficult to avoid the conclusion that 

 we are dealing with the sudden evolution of a new species induced in a 

 plastic stock by the action of a pronounced change of environment. 



No species of Phalaris are native to Australia, but we have no informa- 

 tion as to the origin and purity of the seed originally received from the 

 United States. In all probability it came from a number of individuals 

 which were not all precisely alike, and possibly were in some cases 

 strongly dissimilar. The plant which succeeded in surviving in the struggle 

 for existence on the rubbish heap would naturally be the strongest and 

 best suited to extreme conditions. For the present judgment must be 

 suspended, but the name of ^^ Phalaris commutata " must be at once sup- 

 pressed, and can be replaced for popular purposes by Toowoomba Grass or 

 Toowoomba Canary Grass, or Queensland Canary Grass, while we still 

 need more precise information as to whether this grass is really superior to 

 those already known and widely used for fodder and winter grazing. Old 

 lamps are sometimes more valuable than new ones, even outside of fairy 

 tales. 



Mr. Bailey, Director of the Botanic Gardens, Brisbane, writes to 

 say that so far he has not received authentic Queensland-grown specimens 

 of " Phalaris commutata.'' Of two specimens received one proved to be 

 P. arundinacca, the other P. nodosa {P. hiilbosd). From Mr. Alexander, 

 ot Brighton, and from other correspondents, we have received plants of 

 undoubted Phalaris canariensis which appeared among the crop of 

 ''Phalaris commutata.''' This is all evid.^nce tending to show that Too- 

 \\oomba Canary Grass is a mixed hybrid, which tends to revert to its 

 parent forms. We shall be indebted to cultivators of this grass if they 

 would note and forward for examination any abnormal plants with dif- 

 ferent heads to the rest which may appear among the crop. It may be 

 possible in this way to definitely and decisivelv determine the real nature 

 or origin of this grass, and whether it is (r) a variety of an existing 

 species {Phalaris hulhosa L.), (2) a double hybrid ' {P. canariensis 

 arundinacca), or (3) a new imdescribed species {P. stenoptera Hackel). 



THE ORCHARD. 



James Lang, Harcourt. 



During the month the weather has been unusual 1\ dry. The strong 

 drying winds have cau.sed the evaporation of a lot of moisture from the 

 soil, and as from present appearances the dry weather is likely to continue, 

 it is therefore very needful that the ground should be kept stirred and free 

 from vveeds in order to conserve all moisture possible. The fruit crop is 

 not going to be as heavy as was at one time anticipated. Apples and 

 pears have thinned out very much more than they usually do at this time ; 

 still there will be a good crop of these fruits. With some varieties the 

 thmnmg out w^ill be an arlvantagfe, as the fruit will mature to a much tetter 

 size than if there had been ani over crop, more especiallv should the 

 season prove dry. Cherries are now being gathered for market. The crop 

 will be light, many of the varieties not setting so well as usual; in some 

 districts frosts cut them a good deal. Apricots and plums will also be 

 light. This is very disappointing as the trees bloomed well and gave 

 promise of a good crop, and in the case of plums a heavv crop of fruit. 



