Census of the Grasses of New South Whales. 41 



two varieties of this useful grass, but their qualities are much the same, their 

 only difference being that some of them are smaller in size, both in stems 

 and inflorescence. I have found the typical form of this grass on the 

 beach at Bondi ; but it is of little or no value as a forage plant, for the 

 leaves and stems are so thickly sprinkled with sand as to render them unfit 

 for food. It should be mentioned, however, that all littoral grasses contain 

 a considerable amount of soda in their stems and leaves, which is invaluable 

 to the health of stock. These grasses can be propagated by division of their 

 roots. They bear a fair amount of seed which ripens in the summer months. 



SETAEIA &LAUCA, Beauv. 



" Pigeon grass." 



An erest annual, of a pale green colour, and growing from 2 to 3| feet 

 high. It is generally found all over the Colony, but not in all places plenti- 

 fully. On rich soils, or on land that has been newly broken up, it yields a 

 rich succulent herbage during the summer months, which is much relished 

 by stock of all kinds. This grass is worthy of systematic cultivation, either 

 to be cut for green feed, or for grazing, or for making into hay. If for the 

 last, it should be cut when the flower stems first appear. Under 

 cultivation it yields a surprising amount of forage, which might be turned 

 into ensilage. This grass produces an abundance of seed, which might be 

 put to some economic use. The seeds ripen during the autumn months. 



SETAEIA MACROSTACHYA, H. B. et K. 



" Large-headed setaria." 



A very coarse-growing annual grass, sometimes attaining 6 feet in height, 

 and only found in the north-eastern parts of the Colony. It is generally 

 found growing on rich scrub lands, and often in cultivation, where it yields 

 a rich succulent herbage, which cattle are particularly fond of. This grass 

 would well repay systematic cultivation, especially where dairy cows are 

 kept, and it would likely make good ensilage. It is a prolific seed-bearing 

 grass, and the seeds might be put to some economic use. They ripen during 

 the autumn months. 



SORGHUM HALEPENSE, Pers. 



This grass has several common names, which often are confounding, 

 such as the Cuba-grass, Johnson-grass, and Haleppo-grass. The last, 

 however, is the original appellation, and should be retained. An erect 

 perennial grass, often growing 10 feet high on good soils, and now is 

 found in various parts of the Colony. Its value for forage has long been 

 recognised, and seeds of it are now obtainable in the trade. Although this 

 grass will grow on various soils, and in different situations, still, to get satis- 

 factory returns, it should always be sown on rich deep soils, where its strong 

 fibrous roots can penetrate deeply into the earth. In these circumstances 

 the grass will remain green during the driest of weather. Under ordinary 

 circumstances this grass will stand cutting three or four times during one 

 season. It is a prolific seed-bearer, and the seeds ripen during the autumn 

 months. 



SORGHUM PLUMOSUM, Beauv. 

 " Plumose sorghum." 



A strong-growing perennial grass, attaining a height of from 4 to 8 feet, 

 and generally found in the coastal districts, but I have had specimens also from 



