10 Australian Grasses. 



case, however, for, with the exception of such slight differences as some of 

 the forms being darker green, others more glaucous, and some more hairy 

 than others, their qualities are much the same. In good seasons, within the 

 railway enclosures, and on country that is not heavily stocked, this " kangaroo 

 grass " will sometimes attain a height of 6 feet. In the tropical parts of the 

 continent it grows more or less all the year round. In the southern portion 

 of the continent it is essentially a summer-growing grass, for it seldom starts 

 into growth before October or November. In ordinary seasons this " kangaroo 

 grass " remains beautifully green during the summer months. This is to be 

 accounted for by its strong roots, which penetrate the earth to a great depth, 

 thus getting away from the drying influences of the sun's rays. If the grass 

 is cut when the flower stems first appear, it can be made into excellent hay. 

 If it should not be cut for hay, it will, soon after the flower stems have 

 developed, turn slightly brown, when its nutritive qualities are said to be 

 at the highest. It is an excellent pasture grass, of which herbivora of all 

 descriptions are remarkably fond, and fatten on. Horses may frequently 

 be seen browsing upon the young flower panicles, which they eat with great 

 relish. Horses and bullocks, when allowed to graze in pastures where this 

 " kangaroo grass " is growing plentifully, can be worked very hard, and still 

 keep in good condition, which is a proof of its nutritive qualities. This 

 grass will not stand close grazing, and, in paddocks that are heavily stocked 

 all the year round, it gradually becomes scarce. An instance of this may be 

 f>eeu any day along the lines of railway. Within the railway enclosures this 

 grass may be seen growing 3 and 4 feet high, but outside there is often not 

 a vestige of it to be seen. 



Although this grass develops a number of flowering stems, and to the 

 casual observer it would appear to mature a quantity of seed, unfortunately 

 this is far from being the case. The most remarkable thing is, as far as my 

 observations have gone, that some plants will produce a little seed, whils*t 

 others are completely sterile, the latter very much predominating. The 

 few seeds that are matured will germinate under favourable conditions, but 

 the most reliable way to propagate this grass is by division of its roots when 

 it begins to make growth in spring. This may seem to be a tedious process, 

 but it would well repay in places where it has become scarce through over- 

 stocking for the outlay by the immense yield it would give in a very short 

 time. 



Baron von Miieller and L. Rummel give the following chemical analysis 

 of this grass during its spring growth : Albumen, 2'05 ; gluten, 4 67 ; 

 starch, 0'09; gum, 1 ; (57; sugar, 3'06 per cent. 



Reference to plate. A, Compound cluster of spikelets. B, A cluster of male or barren 

 spikelets and the fertile one, opened out to show how they are arranged, c, The fertile 

 spikelet, opened out to show the three glumes and awn. D, Grain, back and front views. 

 All variously magnified. 



