INTRODUCTION GRAZING DISTRICTS. XXXlil 



seed it puts me in mind of the wheat-fields in the old country." " Kangaroo- 

 grass " may now be seen growing six or more feet high in places that are 

 protected against cattle and other herbivora ; so it would appear that this 

 species has in no way deteriorated during the past one hundred years when 

 it is allowed to grow undisturbed for a time. 



PBESENT CONDITION OF PASTURES. 



Since the dairying industry has developed into such large proportions 

 many of the pastures have received careful attention. Progressive stock- 

 owners in these districts, as in other parts of the country, have found out 

 by practical experience that unless the pasturage is good, cattle cannot thrive, 

 nor can the dairying and allied industries flourish. Although many of 

 the grazing areas are in a very good condition, some appear to be in a 

 rather neglected state. Many land- owners destroy all noxious plants 

 immediately they make their appearance, whilst others allow them to grow 

 as they like until they become a nuisance on the areas they occupy, and a 

 menace to the adjoining land. Some paddocks are very much infested with 

 large tussocks, and in consequence their grazing capabilities are much below 

 what they would be under better management. The better class of pas- 

 turage is composed almost wholly of indigenous herbage, which is plentful, 

 and of a rich and varied character. The most common grass is couch 

 (Cynodon dactylon, Pers.). It grows on both high and lowland; on the 

 latter, however, it appears to predominate. In an ordinary summer this 

 grass grows quickly, and it will stand close feeding better than many other 

 kinds. Herbivora of all descriptions are remarkably fond of it, and fatten, 

 on it, whilst in a growing state. Couch-grass almost ceases to grow, however, 

 during the winter months, and should only very slight frosts occur the 

 herbage turns brown. When in this state it has not a very high feeding- 

 value. The "kangaroo-grass" (Anthistiria ciliata, Linn.) 'is plentiful in 

 some pastures, but it rarely produces seed unless protected against cattle. 

 It is a valuable grass, and stock keep it closely eaten down in pastures they 

 have access to. Eragrostis leptostacliya, Steud., is very abundant in most 

 pastures, more particularly on hillsides, where it often forms a very close 

 turf. It grows in bunches, but never develops into objectionable tussocks. 

 Milch-cows are particularly fond of this grass, and they keep it eaten close 

 to the ground even if other herbage is plentiful. This grass should be 

 encouraged on every dairy-farm in the colony. The " blue-grass" (Andro- 

 pogon senceus, R. Br.), is fairly plentiful in some pastures, and is highly 

 spoken of by dairymen. Dantlionia semi annular is, R.Br., the "wallaby-grass," 

 is common in most pastures. It has a high reputation as a forage-plant, 

 and is capable of withstanding a long " spell" of dry weather without its 

 growth being checked to any serious extent. The "star" or "windmill" 

 grasses (Qliloris truncata, R. Br., and C. ventricosa, 11. Br.), are fairly plentiful 

 in some places. These are valuable grasses, which stock of all descriptions 

 are remarkably fond of, and fatten on. Deyeuocia forsteri, Kunth., the 

 " bent-grass" is common over nearly the whole of these districts. Although 

 this is only an annual grass it yields rich succulent herbage during the 

 winter and early spring months, so on this account it is a valuable addition 

 to the pasturage. The "tussock poa" (Poa c&spitosa, Forst.) is common 

 in many pastures, and whilst young it makes excellent forage ; but when it 

 becomes old it often grows into objectionable tussocks, which choke out the 

 more tender herbage. Under the shade of trees this grass keeps beautifully 

 green during the driest of weather. On the banks of some streams and 

 in many low damp situations the " water-couch" (Paspalum distichum, Linn.) 

 grows very plentifully. The rich succulent herbage of this quick-growing 



