ACCLIMATISED GRASSES 87 



duces a quantity of nutritious herbage which is relished by all 

 kinds of stock. In late winter and early spring it makes 

 considerable growth in favourable situations, and is then a 

 valuable addition to the otherwise often dry pasturage. 

 Rye Grass thrives under irrigation, and can be kept in a grow- 

 ing state and beautifully green throughout the summer 

 months under such conditions. If cut at the flowering stage 

 it makes capital hay. Mueller and Rummel give the following 

 chemical analysis, made on the spring growth of this grass : 

 Albumen, 3.36 ; gluten, 4.88 ; starch, 0.51 ; gum, 1.80 ; 

 sugar 1.80 per cent. 



Prairie Grass (CeratoMoa unioloides) is one of the best 

 exotic grasses ever introduced into Australia. Under favour- 

 able conditions I have seen this grass growing nearly four feet 

 high, but generally it is not so tall. When cultivated on deep, 

 rich land it produces heavy crops of succulent, nutritious, 

 leafy herbage on which all kinds of stock thrive. Prairie 

 Grass will afford five or six cuttings in the year if mown 

 before it begins to flower. It is a first-class pasture grass, and 

 if cut when in bloom can be made into excellent hay. Owing 

 to its free seeding qualities, and the easy germination of its 

 seeds, it readily becomes acclimatised where the conditions 

 are favourable. When growing in pastures with other grasses 

 it should be judiciously grazed, for stock are so partial to it 

 that there would be a possibility of its being eaten out. 

 Mueller and Rummel give the following chemical analysis 

 made on the spring growth of this grass : Albumen, 2.80 ; 

 gluten, 3.80 ; starch, 3.30 ; gum, 1.70 ; sugar, 2.30 per cent. 



Red Top Grass (Tricholcena rosea) has readily adapted 

 itself to Australian climatic conditions and is now to be found 

 in many pastures in the warmer coast districts. It grows 

 from two to three feet high or more, and withstands dry 

 weather, but is injured by sharp frosts. On rich land it 



