ACCLIMATISED GRASSES 89 



Mr. J. C. Brunnich, has shown that this grass has not such 

 high feeding value as the Australian Rhodes Grass : 



Moisture, 9.19 ; ash, 12.00 ; fibre, 27.24 ; carbohydrates, 

 42.15; fat and oil, 1.00 ; protein, 8.42; total nutriments, 

 51.57 ; albuminoid ratio, 9.28 per cent. 



Sweet Scented Vernal Grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum) 

 grows from twelve to fifteen inches high, but thrives only in 

 the cooler districts. It has a favourable reputation for two 

 qualities in early spring it makes considerable growth which 

 is much relished by stock, and it possesses a perfume (the 

 active principle of which is coumarine) which it imparts to 

 hay. 



Texas Blue Grass (Poa arachnifera) is a rapid-growing 

 plant, with creeping stems, which does well in the cooler in- 

 land districts, and withstands dry weather. It is an excellent 

 grass for permanent pasture, as it will stand close grazing, and 

 its herbage is liked by all herbivora. 



Timothy Grass (Phleum pratense) grows from two to three 

 feet high, rooting deeply on different classes of land, and 

 forming tolerably compact tufts in the cooler and colder 

 districts. It luxuriates on deep, moist loams, and strong 

 land, even doing well on clayey formations. In dry situations 

 its growth is stunted, and it begins to grow thin after a few 

 years. It is a valuable grass for both permanent and tem- 

 porary pasture, and, as it begins to grow in very early spring, 

 is a most valuable addition to the herbage. Under favourable 

 conditions it yields a great bulk of succulent, nutritious, 

 broad leaves on which all herbivora thrive. It will stand fairly 

 close grazing, and thrives under irrigation for about three 

 years, when it should be renewed to obtain the best results. 

 Timothy Grass makes excellent hay if cut at the flowering 

 period or shortly after ; and can be mown as green feed for 

 stock. 



