Census of the Grasses of New South Wales. 5 



the richest of soils in the interior, and is fairly plentiful in some situations. 

 This grass produces a large quantity of good leafy feed at the base, which 

 cattle are remarkably fond of. In a young state it is very nutritious, but 

 when it gets old the flower stems become hard and cane-like ; then cattle 

 seldom touch it. Its roots penetrate deeply into the soil, which enables the 

 plant to withstand a long spell of dry weather with impunity. This grass 

 might be profitably cultivated for ensilage if it were cut before the flower 

 stalks became so hard and cane-like. Unlike some other kangaroo grasses, 

 it possesses the advantage of being a prolific seeder. The grains are like 

 small oats, and ripen during November and December. 



ANTHISTIEIA CILIATA, Linn. 

 The common " Kangaroo grass." 



A perennial upright growing grass, often over 3 feet in height, when 

 found on rich soils. It enjoys a wide reputation of being one of the finest 

 and most useful of the indigenous grasses on the eastern side of the 

 dividing range, stock of all descriptions being remarkably fond of it. The 

 roots are strong, and penetrate the soil to a great depth, which enables the 

 plant to remain green during the greater part of the summer. In the 

 autumn the foliage turns brown, when, however, its nutritive qualities are said 

 to be at the highest. If cut as the flower stems appear it can be made into 

 excellent hay. Although this grass throws up a number of flowering stems, 

 still it perfects very little seed, and the most reliable way to propagate it is 

 by division of the roots. This may seem to be a tedious process, but it would 

 soon pay for the outlay by the immense yield it would give in a very short 

 time. Pound all over the Colony. In the coastal districts it is plentiful, but 

 in the interior it is more sparingly distributed. 



Baron von Mueller and L. Eummel give the following chemical analysis 

 of this grass during its spring growth : Albumen, 2'05 ; gluten, 4'67 ; starch, 

 0'69 ; gum, T67 ; sugar, 3'06 per cent. 



ANTHISTIEIA MEMBEANACEA, Lindl. 

 " Landsborough grass." 



An annual grass, sometimes growing in small tufts. In favourable 

 seasons, however, the stems are long and weak, forming an entangled mass 

 over a foot deep. It is a quick-growing summer species, and is particularly 

 adapted for hot, dry regions. Towards autumn it gets exceedingly dry and 

 brittle, but stock are so fond of it that they often lick the broken parts from 

 the ground. It is a most nutritious grass, and is worthy of extensive culti- 

 vation. I have grown this grass from seed and had a good crop in less than 

 three months. It makes capital hay. It produces an abundance of seed, 

 which ripens in November and December. Found nearly all over the 

 western interior. 



APLUDA MUTICA, Linn. 



A species with creeping or climbing stems, often several feet long, with 

 erect branching flow.ering shoots and long leaves ; not of much value for 

 forage. A rare species. 



AEISTIDA AEENAEIA, Gaud. 



"Three-awned spear grass." 



A perennial species found on rich loamy soils in the interior, but only 

 sparingly eaten by stock . when young. When it becomes old and goes to 



