296 FOREST:CULTURE AND 
Cyperus vaginatus, R. Brown.—Widely dispersed 
over the Australian continent, but not yet noticed 
in Tasmania and New Zealand. It is restricted to 
swampy localities, and thus is not likely to stray into 
ordinary fields. It is our best indigenous fiber-plant, 
and it is likewise valuable as being with ease convert- 
ed into pulp for good writing-paper, as shown by me 
some years ago. Its perennial growth allows of reg- 
ular annual cutting. Within Victorian territory this 
galingale rush is.particularly common on the Murray 
flats. 
Cytisus secoparius, Link. (Spartium scoparium, L.) 
—The Broom-bush. Europe, North Asia. Of less 
significance as a broom plant than as one of medicinal 
value. It can also be used for tanning purposes. An 
alkaloid (spartein) and a yellow dye (scoparin) are ob- 
tainable from this Broom-bush. 
Dactylis ceespitosa, Forster. (Poa Fosteri, Steudel. ) 
—Fuegia, Falkland Islands, South Patagonia. The 
Tussock - grass. Thrives in cold countries near the 
sea, in pure sand, at the edge of peat-bogs. It would 
likely prosper in our alpine moors. It is perennial, 
and reaches to a height of 7 feet. It is very nutri- 
tious, and much sought by herds. The base of the 
stem is nutty and edible. 
Dactylis glomerata, L.— Europe, North Africa, 
‘North and Middle Asia. The Cocksfoot-grass. One 
of the best of tall pasture grasses, adapted as well for 
dry as moist soil, thus even available for wet clays. 
It will live also under the shade of trees in forests. 
Its yield of fodder is rich and continuous, but its stems 
are hard. It is already largely cultivated, and has be- 
come naturalized. 
