4*4 



on rich soils and in a fairly good season it grows three feet 

 high, on those of a poorer description it rarely exceeds a 

 foot in height. In all its varied forms, however, it is one 

 of the most nutritious grasses in Australia, and, unlike most other 

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

 Stock of all descriptions are remarkably fond of the plant and 

 fatten on it. The writer has had this grass under experimental 

 cultivation, and the rich, succulent herbage it produced was much 

 superior to that generally seen in pastures. If cut immediately the 

 flower stems appear it makes capital hay. The seeds usually 

 ripen during October, November, and December, but sometimes in 

 the autumn months. 



Panicum dc<omposztum (R. Br. "Australian millet"). This 

 valuable grass is found all over Australia, from the coastal districts 

 to the far interior. In moist places and by the side of water- 

 courses, it sometimes attains a height of four feet ; on the plains, 

 however, it rarely exceeds two feet in height. In all its varied 

 forms it yields most valuable herbage, which stock of all kinds are 

 remarkably fond of and fatten on. The writer has had the " Aus- 

 tralian millet " under experimental cultivation for several years, and 

 the amount of herbage it yielded in a few months was really 

 astonishing. The hay that was made from it was equal to three 

 tons per acre. The seeds usually ripen during the summer and 

 autumn months. At one time the aborigines used to collect the 

 seeds in large quantities, grind them between stones, make the 

 flour into cakes, bake them, and use them as an article of food. 



Panicum gracile (R. Br. " Slender panick grass "). This 

 perennial species is fairly well distributed over the continent. It is 

 rather variable in habit, but in all its varied forms it is an excellent 

 pasture-grass which stock of all descriptions are remarkably fond of 

 and fatten on. In rich pastures it yields a very superior herbage. 

 On poor soils and in very dry situations its leaves are narrow, and 

 in dry seasons its stems are somewhat harsh ; still when in this 

 condition cattle seem fond of it. The seeds usually ripen during 

 October, November, and December. 



Pullinia fulva (Benth. " Sugar grass"). This perennial species 

 is easily recognised when in flower amongst other grasses by its 

 rich brown, silky spikes. It is generally found growing on the 

 richest of soils, and often on deep alluvial flats, bordering rivers and 

 creeks. It is a superior pasture grass, and is much praised by 

 stockowners, who have given it the name of " sugar grass," on 

 account of the sweetness of its stems and foliage. During the 

 summer months, in an ordinary season, it produces a great bulk of 

 rich, succulent herbage, which is much relished by all herbivora. 

 It makes capital hay. The seeds usually ripen in November and 

 December. 



