XXVlll INTRODUCTION GRAZING DISTRICTS. 



at an altitude of 4,328 feet, there is a very large lake which contains a never- 

 failing supply of good water which is as clear as crystal. The only thing 

 that detracts from this grand sheet of water, from an aesthetic point of view, 

 is the quantity of so-called rushes (Heleocharis spkacelata, B. Br.) which 

 grow over a greater part of it. It is probable that if the overflow of the lake 

 was raised several feet, which would raise the level of the water, it might 

 prove too deep for these so-called rushes to grow. 



PRESENT CONDITION OE PASTUKES. 



During the summer months many of the grazing areas of New England 

 can hardly be surpassed for the rich, succulent, and varied character of the 

 indigenous grasses and forage-plants which clothe them. It is during the 

 winter months that the want of green succulent herbage in the pastures is 

 most felt, for at this period of the year most of the indigenous vegetation 

 is at rest. One of the most common grasses is the " wild sorghum " 

 (Sorghum plumosum, Beauv.) This grass is highly spoken of. Not only are 

 cattle and sheep fond of the herbage, but it is said that horses eat the seed- 

 heads with avidity and fatten on them. The " kangaroo -grass" (Antkistiria 

 ciliata, Linn.) is common in many places, and grows to a great height when 

 left unmolested for a time. It is well known all over Australia as a good 

 forage-grass, but does not stand well in pastures that are heavily stocked. 

 Danthonia semiannularis, H. Br., the " wallaby- grass," is common in many 

 pastures. Is has a high reputation as a forage-plant, and is capable of with- 

 standing a long " spell " of dry weather without its growth being checked to 

 any serious extent. The " blue-grass" (Andropogon sericeus, R. Br.) is very 

 prominent in many pastures, and is deservedly held in great esteem both by 

 pastoralists and farmers. It it well worth conserving in places where it is 

 already growing and the seeds disseminating in places where it does not 

 already exist. Poa ccespitosa, Forst., var., ausfralis, the " tussock poa," is 

 common in some places, and whilst young makes excellent forage. When it 

 becomes old it is often rather harsh and tough ; then cattle will not touch it 

 if other herbage is plentiful. The "star" or "windmill grass" (Ohloris 

 truncata, R. Br.) is fairly abundant in some pastures. This is a valuable 

 sheep-grass and stands the dry weather well. Agropyrum scalrum, Beauv., the 

 " wheat-grass," is plentiful in many pastures. This is one of the first native 

 grasses to start into growth in spring. The " bent grasses" (Deyeuxia forsteri, 

 Kunth., and D. billardieri, Kunth.) are very common over nearly the whole 

 of the district. Although these are only annual grasses they yield rich, 

 succulent herbage during the early summer months, and on this account are 

 valuable additions to the pasturage. The native "couch grass" (Cynodon 

 dactylon, Pers.) occurs in the warmer and more sheltered parts of the district. 

 Eragrostis leptostachya, Steud. is another valuable grass which I saw in 

 several places. The "long hair plume grass " {Dichelachne crinita, Hook.) 

 when in flower is a very conspicuous plant in pastures. On good soils it 

 produces a great amount of rich succulent herbage which is greedily eaten 

 by all herbivora. On the banks of some creeks and in low damp places the 

 " water couch" (Paspalum distichum, Linn.) is plentiful. This quick-growing 

 grass is highly spoken of both by pastoralists and dairymen. Its rich, succu- 

 lent herbage is greedily eaten by cattle. Besides these there are other native 

 grasses, which occur in varying proportions and add to the valuable herbage 

 of New England. There are a number of native herbs other than grasses 

 which are eaten by stock ; but, perhaps, the most useful are Geranium dis- 

 sectum, Linn., " crow foot," and Plantago varia, E. Br., " native rib grass." 

 In most localities these plants are highly spoken of as forage for stock. 



