GRASSES 37 



fairly plentiful in many localities. It withstands close grazing 

 much better than many grasses, and on this account is a 

 valuable addition to the pastures. 



Star Grass (Chloris truncata) is found growing on rich land 

 over a great part of Australia, from the coast to the far in- 

 terior, and is abundant in many localities. As might be sup- 

 posed, a grass growing under such extreme climatic condi- 

 tions is variable as regards its height and the amount of 

 herbage it produces. In some situations it grows three feet 

 high, with the flower spikes a foot in diameter ; in other 

 localities it grows only from six inches to a foot high, with the 

 flower spikes only four inches across. In all its varied forms, 

 however, it yields rich feed, which is much relished by all 

 herbivora, sheep being particularly fond of it and fattening 

 on it. On loose soils this grass tillers well, and often forms a 

 dense turf. I have had the Star Grass under experimental 

 cultivation for several consecutive years, and the quantity of 

 herbage it yielded was remarkable. When cut just at the 

 flowering period it made excellent hay. This grass can be 

 recommended for permanent pasture and for hay. The seeds 

 usually ripen in summer, but occasionally in autumn. I have 

 sown the seeds of this grass in spring with excellent results, 

 but generally I prefer sowing them in early autumn, for then 

 the resulting seedlings become well established in the ground 

 before the cool season sets in, and are better able to withstand 

 the succeeding summer should it happen to be a dry one. 



Tall Oat Grass (Anthistiria avenacea) occurs all over 

 Australia, but is more abundant in the interior than in the 

 coast areas. It grows on the richest of soils, and inland 

 generally on plain-country, where it attains a height of five or 

 six feet, but in a good season it may sometimes be seen nine 

 feet high. It has a swollen, woolly base, and strong, long 

 fibrous roots which penetrate deeply into the earth thus 



