Census of the Grasses of New South Wales. 17 



giving it a very ornamental appearance when in seed. There is a small 

 variety o this beautiful grass, rarely exceeding 6 inches in height, which is 

 worth the attention of horticulturists. Both these grasses would make very 

 ornamental objects in a garden. 



ELEUSINE ^EOYPTIACA, Pers t 



" Egyptian finger grass." 



An annual species, of tufted growth, but sometimes with creeping stems 

 rooting at every joint, the lateral growths rarely ever exceeding 1 foot in 

 height. This grass is generally found all over the western interior, and in 

 some situations it is fairly plentiful. During the hot summer months it 

 yields a rich succulent herbage, which is much relished by all herbivora, 

 sheep being particularly fond of it. It is very highly spoken of by all sheep 

 owners as a most nutritious grass. I have had this species under cultiva- 

 tion, and can highly recommend it both for pasturage and hay. It produces 

 an abundance of seed, so that there would be no difficulty in disseminating 

 it throughout the Colony. This grass likes a good soil to grow in ; seeds 

 ripen in October and November. 



ELEUSINE INDICA, Garta. 

 " Crow-foot or crab grass." 



A coarse, erect, tufted perennial grass, growing from 1 foot to 2| feet high, 

 according to soil and situation. It is principally found in the coastal 

 districts from the Hunter to the Tweed, and in some situations it is fairly 

 plentiful. This grass may be recognised by its dark green colour, strong 

 stalks, and digitate panicles, the spikelets of which are flat, and overlap each 

 other. It grows all the year round, but during the summer months it yields 

 a rich succulent herbage, much relished by cattle. It will make good hay. 

 The tough fibrous roots of this grass penetrate deeply into the soil, and it is 

 useful for binding the banks of rivers, dams, and loose earth. The seeds 

 ripen in November and December. 



ELYTKOPHORIJS AETICULATUS, Beauv. 



Jointed blue grass. 



An annual species, rarely exceeding a foot and a half in height, and is 

 found on the Murray, and at several stations in the interior, but so far as I 

 have been able to find out, it is not very plentiful. During the early spring 

 months it affords a fair amount of herbage which sheep are fond of ; seeds 

 in October. 



EEAG-KOSTIS BBOWNII, Nees. 

 " Brown love grass." 



A perennial species growing from 1 foot to 4 feet high. There are several 

 varieties of this most excellent pasture grass found in various parts of the 

 Colony, both on rich and poor soils. It will grow all the year round, and 

 on alluvial soils will yield a very great amount of succulent herbage, much 

 liked by all pasture animals. It will also make splendid hay. The strong 

 fibrous roots of this grass penetrate deeply into the soil, which enables it to 

 withstand the most severe drought. Its herbage keeps beautifully green all 

 through an ordinary dry summer. I have had this grass under cultivation, 

 and the amount of herbage it yielded was something astonishing. I can 

 very highly recommend it for cultivation, both to pastoralists and farmers. 

 There should be no difficulty in bringing this grass under cultivation, for it 



