86 
Var. spicigera, Benth. Ultimate branches of the panicle bearing 
one or two sessile spikelets below the terminal one, each accompanied 
by a pedicellate male. 
Value as. a fodder.—Ilt is of too harsh a nature to be generally 
valuable for fodder, except when young. Cattle are, however, fond of 
it before it gets wiry. The general characteristic of this and other 
Chrysopogons may be stated as tall, slender grasses, only tender when 
young, but dry, wiry, and indigestible when old, not forming a dense 
pasture-growth. 
Mr. A. R. Crawford points out that usually, in this Colony, it grows 
along fences, where stock cannot getatit. Mr. W. H. Walker remarks 
that it is to be found for miles in the Tenterfield district within the rail- 
way fence chiefly,—testimony to its appreciation by stock. O’Shanesy 
says it is a good fodder in Queensland. 
Referring to C. montanus, Trin., J. F. Duthie (quoting C. parviflorus 
as a synonym), says :—‘‘ This is found in the hilly parts of Northern 
India. On Mount Abu I found several patches of this very elegant 
grass. It is said there to be an excellent fodder grass.” Holmes 
(quoted by Mueller), says that this species resists fire better than many 
other grasses, which is a recommendation to us in this Colony. 
Speaking of the closely-related C. serrulatus, Trin., Mr. 8. M. Tracy 
(Mississippi Agricultural Experimental Station, Bull. No. 20) says :— 
“This is a perennial grass, the seed of which was received from India, 
and which is one of our most valuableimportations. Although nearly 
related to our native broom-sedge(? C. nutans, Benth.), it starts into 
erowth much earlier in the spring, produces a heavier growth of leaves, 
and will yield two cuttimgs of excellent hay, besides a considerable 
amount of winter pasturage. It has been entirely free from any injury 
from cold, and from all attacks of fungus diseases, and is spreading 
well by self-sown seeds. Jt grows 4 to 5 feet high, and more than 
one-half of the hay is made up of the leaves, the stalks being rather 
small.” 
I think that both C. parviflorus and C. gryllus, as well as several of 
the exotic species, are well worthy of careful experimental cultivation. 
Other uses—In Rajputana the grain is sometimes collected and eaten 
by the natives. 
Habitat and range-—Extends from Victoria to Northern Australia, 
occurring in our own Colony in the coast districts, in sheltered situa- 
tions on the Dividing Range and spurs, and on the tablelands. It is 
partial to rich flats. 
Mr. W. H. Walker states that it is common at Tenterfield and for 
miles south within the railway fence. 
In the more southern parts of New Englanditis common. It extends 
also to Asia and the Pacific Islands. 
Reference to plate.—1. Part of a panicle, showing the inflorescence; 2. Showing the 
two pedicellate male spikelets and sessile hermaphrodite spikelet undeveloped (much 
enlarged). In C. gryllus the inflorescence is much larger, is more hairy under the 
inflorescence, and the second glume of the fertile spikelet is awned. 
