24* Census of the Grasses of New South Wales. 



HIEEOCHLOA EARIFLOEA, Hook. 



" Sweet-scented grass." 



A perennial species, growing from 2 to 3 feet high, which is principally 

 found about Twofold Bay, in the southern parts of the Colony. It has 

 nearly all the characteristics of the last-named species (to which it is closely 

 allied), and can be used for precisely the same purposes, and, further, some 

 of our southern colonists stuff their beds and pillows with the dried leaves 

 of this sweet-scented grass, being under the impression that it induces sleep, 

 and keeps away house vermin. This species does not produce a great amount 

 of seed, what little there is, however, ripens in January and February. It 

 can also be propagated by division of its roots. 



IMPEEATA AEUNDINACEA, Cyr. 

 " Blady grass." 



A stiff-erect perennial species, growing from 1 foot to 3 feet high, and 

 generally found in wet localities all over the eastern portions of the Colony. 

 It is a valuable grass for binding the littoral sands, as its underground 

 stems form a perfect net-work, which is most difficult to eradicate. It can 

 also be recommended for binding river banks, the sides of dams, and any 

 loose earth, but nowhere near cultivation. If it were ever allowed to get 

 established on good land it would become almost; irrepressible, for every small 

 joint of its underground stems that is left in the ground will develop into 

 a plant. In some instances this grass covers large areas of wet and often 

 sour land, and if burnt off in October or November it will yield a capital 

 herbage during the greater part of summer, which cattle eat with avidity. 

 "When this grass becomes old, however, it is very tough and harsh, and 

 cattle seldom or never touch it whilst any other herbage is to be obtained. 

 This grass has often proved a valuable stand-by for stock during prolonged 

 droughts, especially after being burnt off in spring time, and I have known 

 of instances where flocks and herds almost depended upon this species alone 

 for forage during very dry times. This grass is easily recognised by its 

 silvery white spike-like panicles, which are often 6 inches long. It is 

 easily propagated by division of its roots. 



ISACHNE AFSTEALIS, E. Br. 



" Swamp millet." 



A perennial species, with rather slender creeping stems, which root at the 

 lower joints and ascend to about 1 foot. It is mostly found on wet land in 

 the coastal districts, and also in New England. During the summer months 

 it makes rapid growth, and its tender herbage is much sought after by all 

 herbivora. This grass is a general favourite with pastoralists. It is worthy 

 of dissemination on wet land all over the Colony, and, as it produces an 

 abundance of seed under ordinary circumstances, there would be 110 difficulty 

 in collecting quantities of it. The seeds ripen in November and December. 



ISCIL3EMUM AUSTEALE, E. Br. 



" Southern grass." 



A perennial species, growing from 2 to 3 feet high, and is principally 

 found on moist soils in the coastal districts, from Port Jackson to the 

 Tweed. This grass has strong underground rooting stems which enables it 

 to withstand a lengthened period of drought, and it will continue to grow 

 long after many others have died off. It is a valuable grass for binding the 



