10 Aug., 1917.] 



Aiislnilian Fodder Shrulj. 



503 



Lindl., the so-called " Old Man Saltbush," is a slirub which often 

 attains a height of from 6 to 12 feet, and is considered to be one of the 

 tallest, most fattening, and wholesome of Australian pastoral salt- 

 bushes. Stock of all descriptions are fond of this plant, cattle particu- 

 larly so, and they often eat it so closely down that it has little chance 

 to recuperate. "Wlien left unmolested for a time, however, it quickly 

 recovers and produces seed in fair quantities, which, when ripe, ger- 

 minates readily under ordinary conditions. 



Analysis of Atriplex mummularia, Lindl. — " Old Man Saltbush." 

 In the proceedings of the Royal Society, New South Wales, 1880, 

 p. 133, Mr. W. A. Di.xon gives the following analysis of this plant: — 



la 

 OU .. .. .. .. 218 



Carbohydrates 

 Albuminoids 

 Woodv fibre 

 Ash CO, . . 



Nitrogen . . 



Woody parts of plant 



Edible parts of plant 



42-85 



16-45 



7-24 



31-28 



100-0 



2-63 

 10. 

 90. 



Ash Analysis. 



On nearly every farm, no matter how well managed, there is always 

 some small patch which does not seem to grow anything. If planted 

 with saltbushes, it will not long remain unprofitable. Strips along 

 fences might be planted to form hedges, using the taller growing kinds, 

 such as Alriplex mummularia or Ehayodia ha-stata. These shrubs may be 

 raised from cuttings or by planting the seed lightly by the use of a hoe. 

 The latter is a really beautiful shrub with silvery white leaves, and 

 bears clusters of red berries. Mr. W. A. Di.xon found the proportion of 

 saline substance in this plant very large. 



Practical Hints and Suggestions. 

 Reserves might be made from which an almost inexhaustible supply 

 of fodder couuld be cut, and it might be found better to conserve it in 

 this way, as, while the plants will stand any amount of cutting, they are 

 frequently exterminated by the injuries caused by the animals hoofs, if 

 stock is allowed to enter the reserves. If it is desired to grow them in 



