FORAGE PLANTS. 105 
An erect, quick-growing, pasture grass, which furnishes a 
good ingredient for hay. ‘The stem sometimes attains a height of 
eight feet. It stands winter well, and will bear close feeding. 
The flower panicle of this species is terribly subject to ergot in the 
autumn months. Its value for pasture by itself is probably insig- 
nificant. A variety of this grass, called ‘“ Hureek”’ in India 
(which is, perhaps, the “ Ghohona Grass,” a reputed Indian 
poisonous species), is said to render the milk of cows that graze 
upon it narcotic and drastic. (Lindley, quoted in Handbook of 
New Zealand Grasses.) Is this because of its liability to 
ergotism? This grass is much used by the Fijians for strewing 
the floors of their houses and public buildings. A good variety 
of this grass (‘‘ Koda Millet”) is used in India as a food-grain. 
Composition of “Koda Millet’ (husked). 
In 100 parts. In 1 |b. 
Oz. grs. 
Water ... ais Lett 7: ae 1 382 
Albuminoids ... apy Le. ee r=ik2 
Starch... eG Pome hie’ wes 12 154 
ae sar aes *: O 147 
Pibre ... ce nye OFF Ax Oo 49 
BNSER. |. ae Rees ee! aa O.Or 
Food Grains of India. (Church.) 
New South Wales, Queensland, and Northern Australia. 
132. Pennisetum compressum, #.2r., (Syn. Sefaria compressa, 
Kunth ; Gymnothrix compressa, Brogn.) ; B.F1., vii., 495. 
A strong-growing, coarse kind of grass, found on the margins 
of swamps. Of little value for fodder. 
Southern Queensland and New South Wales. 
133. Perotis rara, X.2r., B.FI., vii., 509, 
This is a slender-growing species, attaining the height of one 
foot ; is a quick grower, and succulent, and stock are stated to be 
fond of it; but Mr. P. A. O’Shanesy, speaking of the dry summer 
