Census of the Grasses of New South Wales. 9 



BEOMUS AEENARITJS, Labill. 



" Brome, oat, or barley grass." 



An annual species, growing from 1 foot to 2 feet high. A valuable grass 

 to have in pastures, as it makes all its growth during the winter and early 

 spring months, when many of our indigenous grasses are dormant. This 

 grass is looked upon with great favour by stock-owners, especially on our 

 far western plains, herbivora of all kinds being remarkably fond of it. It 

 is much improved by cultivation, and, when grown on a good soil, yields a 

 great amount of rich succulent herbage. The seeds ripen during September 

 and October. Habitat : generally all over the Colony. 



CENCHEUS AUSTEALIS, E. Br. 



"Burr- grass." 



A perennial species found growing on hill sides and on low scrub lands in 

 various parts of the Colony. In the latter place it grows into large tussocks 

 which are often 9 feet high. The herbage of this coarse-growing grass is 

 very rough to the touch, and cattle seldom or never eat it, except after a 

 fire, when the herbage is tender and succulent for a few weeks, and conse- 

 quently they will eat of it. Sheep should never be depastured on land where 

 this grass grows, and more especially when near ripening its seeds, for they 

 are often troublesome to get out of the wool. The seeds ripen during 

 November and December. This grass might be utilised for binding river- 

 banks or similar places against the fury of flood- waters, for its tough fibrous 

 roots penetrate the soil to a great depth. 



CHAMJEEAPHIS PAEADOXA, Poir. 



" Swamp couch." 



A semi-aquatic species, growing in or near swamps, principally in the 

 coastal districts. As the water recedes it forms a good sward of succulent 

 herbage, which cattle are fond of, and they may occasionally be seen wading 

 in the water to browse upon its floating stems. The seeds ripen during the 

 summer months. 



CHAM^EEAPHIS SPINESCENS, Poir. 

 " Floating couch grass." 



A semi-aquatic grass, which, when growing in water, forms large floating 

 masses. As the water recedes the creeping stems root into the soft mud 

 and form a good sward of succulent herbage, which horses and cattle are 

 remarkably fond of. In the western districts I have seen horses wading 

 nearly up to their bellies in water to browse on this grass. Pound near 

 swamps in various parts of the Colony. The seeds ripen during the summer 

 months. 



CHLOEIS ACICULAEIS, Lindl. 

 " Umbrella or spider grass." 



A glabrous erect perennial species, growing from 1 foot to 2 feet high. This 

 grass grows plentifully in sandy and loamy soils in the interior. Its strong 

 fibrous roots penetrate the soil to a great depth, which enables it to with- 

 stand the most protracted drought. During the summer months it yields a 

 great amount of nutritious herbage, which is much relished by all herbivora. 

 It cut when it shows its flower-stems it makes capital hay. This grass is 

 well worthy of extensive cultivation in the arid parts of the interior where it 

 may not already be growing. It produces a great amount of seed, which 

 germinates readily under ordinary conditions, so no great difficulty is in the 

 way of its dissemination. The seeds ripen in November and December. 



