Census of the Grasses of New South Wales. 19 



border. Like some of its congeners, it is capable of withstanding great 

 drought and heat. Very little is known as regards its value as a forage grass. 

 It produces a fair amount of seed, but it is exceedingly small. The seeds 

 ripen during the latter part of summer. 



EEAGEOSTIS LACUNAEIA, E.v.M. 



" A love grass." 



A very slender perennial species, growing from 6 to 15 inches high, and 

 generally found on sandy soils in the arid interior. The panicles are mostly 

 of a dark purple colour, which gives quite a feature to the plant. The 

 scanty herbage is of a hard wiry nature, and is not much eaten by stock, 

 except when ether herbage fails through drought. The seeds ripen in 

 October and November. 



EEAGEOSTIS LANIFLOEA, Benth. 

 " A love grass." 



A perennial species, rarely ever exceeding 1 foot high. The wiry stems 

 rise from thick, almost bulbous, woolly bases, but the herbage is not of any 

 value for forage. G-enerally found on clayey soils in the remote interior. 

 Seeds in October and November. 



EEAQEOSTIS LEPTOSTACHYA, Steud. 

 " A love grass." 



A slender perennial species growing about 1| feet high. It is found in 

 the coastal districts from Illawarra to the Tweed ; and also in New England. 

 In some situations it is fairly plentiful, and on good soils it yields a rich 

 succulent herbage much sought after by all pasture animals. This grass will 

 grow on land where it is partially shaded with trees, and in such circum- 

 stances, will afford a tender herbage during the winter and early spring 

 months. This grass is much improved by cultivation, and if cut when the 

 flower stalks first appear, it makes good hay. It produces an abundance of 

 seed, which ripens in October and November. 



EEAOEOSTIS MEGALOSPEEMA, E.v.M. 

 " A love grass." 



A rather tall perennial species growing from 2 to 3i feet high. This grass 

 is rare in the Colony, being found only, as far as at present known, in the 

 northern coastal districts. "Where this grass is found, it is generally an 

 indication of rich land. In a young state, its herbage is succulent and is 

 much relished by all pasture animals. It will stand a great amount of dry 

 weather and remain green during the greater part of summer. This grass 

 produces a fair quantity of seed, which ripens in November and December. 



EEAOEOSTIS NIGEA, Nees. 



" A love grass." 



A rather slender species, with dark-coloured spikelets arranged in a 

 spreading panicle. This grass seems to be rare and restricted in its habitat, 

 being only found, as far as is at present known, in the New England District. 

 It does not produce much seed ; what little there is, however, ripens in 

 December. 



