PASTURES, GRASSES, AND FORAGE PLANTS. 79 



_ Chloris trunrata, 11. Br. '' Star," or " Wiiidinill grass." A peren- 

 nial species, whicli is generally found growing on the richest of Boils 

 over nearly the Avhole of the Colony. In some situations it grows 



3 feet high, with the inflorescence a foot across. In other situations 

 it grows only from 6 inches to a foot high^ with the inflorescence only 



4 inches across. In all its varied forms, however, it yiehls a rich, 

 succulent lierhagO;, which is much relished Ly all herbivora, sheep 

 being particularly fond of it. On loose soils it tillers well, and forms 

 a good sward. It makes capital hay. The seeds usually ripen in 

 October and November in the interior; in the coastal districts one 

 month or two months later, though occasionally in autumn. Two 

 other species of Ghlor'is are found in different parts of the Colony, 

 and form a good percentage of the herbage in some pastures. They 

 are good forage grasses. 



Dantlionia rohusta, F.v.M. " Oat grass." A perennial species, 

 found on the southern mountains, where it forms a large per centage 

 of the alpine herbage. Its stout stems rise from a thick, horizontal 

 root to a height of 4 or 5 feet. It is the largest species of the genus 

 found in Austi-alia, and forms large patches of rather coarse-looking 

 herbage ; this, however, when young, is rich and succulent, and iu 

 tliat state is greedily eaten by all herbivora. The seeds usually ripen 

 during December, January, and February. 



Dantlionia seviiannularis, R. Br. " Wallaby grass." A perennial 

 species found over nearly the wliole of the Colony, from the coast to 

 the far interior. It also grows on some of the high mountain ranges 

 wliere snow falls occasionally. It is very variable as regards stature; 

 on good soils it grows 3 feet high, on those of a poorer description 

 it rarely exceeds a foot in heiglit. In all its varied forms, however, it 

 is one of the most nutritious grasses in the Colony, and, unlike most 

 otlier species of the genus, will grow more or less all the year round. 

 It makes splendid hay. In the interior the seeds of this grass usually 

 ripen in October, but in the coastal districts, and in the colder parts of 

 the country generally one month or two months later. There are 

 eight other species of Danthonia, found in different parts of the 

 Colony, some of them fairly plentifully in many pastures. All of them 

 are excellent pasture grasses. 



Deyeuxia hiUardierl, Kunth. " Bent grass." This species has an 

 extensive range of growth, being found in the coastal districts and on 

 most of the high tablelands. It usually grows from G to 18 inches 

 high, according to soil and situation. It is a capital winter and early 

 spring grass, and on good soils yields a fair amount of rich, succulent 

 herbage, of which sheep are very fond. It produces a quantity of 

 seed, which usually ripens in October, November and December. Light 

 other species of Deyeuxia are found in the Colony, princi]iallv on the 

 high tablelands, where they form a good percentage of the herbage 

 on some areas. Only one species {Deyeuxia forderi, Kunth.) extends to 

 the interior, where it makes most of its growth during the winter and 

 early spring months, and is a valuable addition to the pasturage. 



Eragrostis hroicmi, Nees. '^.ove grass." A perennial species 

 growing from 1 foot to 4 feet high, ^riiere are several vaneties ot this 

 excellent grass found in different parts of the Colony, both on ricli 



