INTRODUCTION GRAZING DISTRICTS. XXXV 



Two common weeds that grow in many pastures are the so-called dandelions 

 (Jlypochazris radiata, Linn., and H. glabra, Linn.). Although no bad effects 

 have been observed on stock that graze in pastures where these plants occur, 

 still they are very undesirable weeds, for where they grow very thick the 

 more tender and nutritious herbage is choked out. A year or two ago the 

 Cape weed (Cryptostemma calendulaceum, E. Br.) was likely to become as 

 great a pest in some of these pastures as it had proved to be in the southern 

 colonies, but owing to the prompt measures taken to prevent the plant from 

 seeding it has not spread very much beyond the railway enclosures. It is 

 still advisable, however, to keep a sharp eye on the plant to prevent any 

 possibility of its spreading to pastures. In some situations " Paddy'skicerne" 

 (Slda rliomlifolia, Linn.) is fairly plentiful. Some dairymen seem to think 

 it is a good forage plant. The majority I spoke to, however, spare no pains 

 to destroy the plant, as they contend it occupies the place where much better 

 herbage would grow, which is very true. On some of the rich flat lands the 

 "blue top" (Verbena bonariensis, Linn.) has become established, but it is not 

 very plentiful, still it would be advisable to destroy such an undesirable plant 

 to prevent its spreading. In some parts of the country the " blue top" is a 

 very great pest, both in pastures and in cultivation. The "sweet briar" 

 (^Bosa rubiginosa, Linn.), although not nearly so plentiful as it used to be, 

 may still be seen growing in some situations. This is one of the exotic 

 plants that land-owners have made a [systematic attempt to get rid of, and 

 with great success. Aster dumosus, Willcl., the " bushy starwort," has 

 appeared in several pastures during recent years, but it is not very plentiful 

 anywhere, and from observations made it does not appear to spread very 

 fast. In some places sorrel (Rumex acetosella, Linn.) is a great pest, but, so 

 far as I observed, it is not so plentiful as in many other parts of the country. 

 In addition to these weeds there are thistles of various kinds, different 

 species of docks which are generally found in or near moist places, and 

 several other undesirable exotic plants of less account. In a few of the 

 pastures the native " blackthorn" (Bursaria spinosa, Cav.) is a great pest, 

 and some land-owners have gone to great expense and trouble in trying to 

 exterminate it. Experienced men tell me that it is of little use to cut this 

 prickly scrub down and leave the roots in the ground, for new growths will 

 often spring up from them, and grow thicker than ever on the land. To 

 destroy this plant all the roots should be carefully grubbed up. 



SUPPOSED PoisoNors 

 Altogether only three native plants were pointed out to me that have ever 

 been suspected of having poisonous properties, but as they now occur only 

 very sparingly here and there, it is many years since any ill effects were 

 observed on cattle that had eaten any of them. They are : 



1. Adriana acerifolia, Hook, is a rather coarse-growing shrub, usually 

 attaining a height of from 3 to 4 feet. The whole plant has a reddish 

 appearance, more particularly when it is in fruit. Its large plane-like leaves 

 are rather ornamental, and give quite a character to the shrub. This plant 

 is dioecious, that is, the male and female organs are borne on separate 

 plants. The male flowers are arranged 011 rather long spikes, and the 

 females on short spikes or heads. Fruit, a three-celled capsule. 



2. Euphorbia drummondii, Boiss., is a prostrate growing plant, with 

 vivid green foliage, and very small flowers arranged in the upper leaf axils. 

 This plant is commonly called "milk weed," " spurge wort," &c., and is 

 well-known to most Australian stockmen : and 



