Census of the Grasses of New South Wales. 15 



as good forage grass, for in some seasons it is of very short duration, 

 withering off on the advent of hot weather. It does not produce much 

 seed ; what little there is, however, ripens in October and November. 



DEYEUXIA QUADEISETA, Benth. 



" Bent grass." 



An erect perennial species, very variable in stature, but usually from 1 

 foot to 3 feet high. It is not particular as to soil or situation, for it is found 

 growing both on ironstone ridges and on rich alluvial flats, principally in the 

 coastal districts, but also in New England, although not so plentitully. On 

 rich soils this grass yields a great amount of forage, and while young it is 

 fairly good feed for cattle ; when it becomes old, however, the stems become 

 hard and cane-like, then it is seldom or never touched. This harsh grass is 

 never at any time of any value as forage for sheep, neither would it make 

 good hay. The seeds ripen in November, December, and January. 



DETEUXIA SCABEA, Benth. 



" Bent grass." 



A perennial species, with weak decumbent stems 1 foot to 2 feet long. It is 

 found in the coastal districts north of Port Jackson, and also in New Eng- 

 land, but it does not seem to be very abundant anywhere ; I have found 

 specimens occasionally near Manly. Wherever it is found stock eat it freely, 

 still it can scarcely be considered a good forage grass. This grass produces 

 a fair amount of seed, which ripens during October and November. 



DICHELACHNE CEINITA, Hook. 



" Long-hair plume grass." 



A perennial species growing from 2 to 3 feet high, and when in flower is 

 a prominent feature in the pastures. This grass is found on various soils in 

 different parts of the Colony. In the hot, dry districts, it is harsh and 

 somewhat scanty of foliage, but in the coastal districts its character is alto- 

 gether changed. On good soils it produces a great amount of rich succulent 

 herbage, which is greedily eaten by all herbivora. This grass will continue 

 to grow throughout the year on good pasture land that is fairly well 

 sheltered, and where frosts are not too severe. It is a good grass for the 

 dairy farmer, and if cut when the flowers first appear it makes excellent 

 hay. This grass is a prolific seed-bearer, so that there will be no difficulty 

 in collecting any quantity by those desirous of doing so. The seeds ripen 

 during October, November, and December. 



DICHELACHNE SCIUEEA, Hook. 



" Short-hair plume grass." 



A most variable grass as regards the arrangement of its inflorescence. 

 Sometimes it is dense and spike-like, at other times it is very loose and some- 

 what spreading, and to the casual observer the extreme forms would look as 

 if they belonged to distinct species. It is a slender perennial grass, usually 

 growing about 1^ feet high, and is found on the eastern side of the Dividing 

 Eange, and also in the New England District. It is a very quick-growing, 

 succulent grass, and a most valuable one to have in the pastures, as it makes 

 considerable growth during the winter and early spring months, ere many of 

 the indigenous grasses show much signs of life. If cut when it shows its 

 flowers it makes excellent hay. This grass produces a fair amount of seed, 

 which ripens in October and November. 



