Census of the Grasses of New South Wales. 53 



grass predominates. This, however, may be caused by a diseased or ergo- 

 tised state of the rye or other grasses, which I have often pointed out is a 

 source of very great danger in our pastures. Eye-grass will stand almost 

 any amount of irrigation during our hot summers, and unless this is done it 

 will cease to grow and get very brown about midsummer. It also makes 

 capital hay if cut when in flower. The rye-grass produces an abundance of 

 seed, which ripens in October and ]SToveniber. 



Baron von Mueller and L. Kummel give the following chemical analysis, 

 made on the spring growth of this grass : Albumen, 3'36 ; gluten, 4'88 ; 

 starch, 0'51 ; gum, 1*80 ; sugar, 1*80 per cent. 



Mr. Martin J. Sutton gives the following analysis of this grass : 



Grass Dried 

 in a natural state. at 212 Fahr. 



Water 62'01 



*Soluble albuminoids , 38 ]/o6 



flnsoluble albuminoids , 2 - 06 5'38 



Digestive fibre 7-93 21 '01 



Woody fibre , 17*71 46'62 



^Soluble mineral matter 2*90 7*64 



Jj Insoluble mineral matter -78 2'05 



Chlorophyll, soluble carbo-hydrates, &c 6*18 16'30 



100-00 100-00 



"-Containing nitrogen -08 -16 



[Containing nitrogen -33 -gg 



Albuminoid nitrogen -39 ] -Q2 



Non-albuminoid nitrogen -38 I'OO 



Total nitrogen -77 2'02 



^Containing silica -05 -13 



Ji Containing silica -32 -84 



LOLIUM TEMULENTUM, Linn. 

 " Darnal grass." 



An annual species, w^hich is gradually spreading in the coastal districts in 

 various parts of the Colony, much to the concern of some pastoralists. This 

 is a deleterious grass which sometimes prevails to a dangerous extent in 

 pastures. It is said to produce poisonous effects on the system, such as 

 headache, drowsiness, vertigo, &c., &c. I have had several specimens sent 

 for identification, from various parts of the Colony, and I have collected it 

 in the vicinity of Sydney. When left unmolested for a time it produces a 

 great amotmtgof seed, which ripens in November and December. 



POA ANNTTA, Linn. 

 " Goose grass." 



An annual species, of tufted habit, sometimes only 2 or 3 inches, at other 

 times nearly 12 inches high, which is generally found all over the Colony, with 

 the exception of the arid interior. It generally springs up after the autumn 

 rains, and continues to grow throughout the winter and early spring months, 

 but dies off on the approach of hot weather. It is of no value from an 

 agricultural point of view, but it imparts a pleasing green to many, what 

 would otherwise be, dreary spots in the winter and early spring months, 

 This grass can be recommended for covering bare patches under the shade 

 of trees. It is a prolific seed-beariog grass. The seeds ripen in September 

 and October. 



