44 



Cyperus vaginatus, B. Brown. 



Widely dispersed over the Australian continent, but not yet 

 noticed in Tasmania and New Zealand. It is restricted to 

 swanipy localities, and thus is not likely to stray into 

 ordinary fields. It is our best indigenous fibre-plant, and 

 it is likewise valuable as being witJi ease converted into 

 pulp for good writing paper, as shown by me some years 

 ago. Its perennial growth allows of regular annual cutting. 

 "Within Victorian territory this Graliugale-rush is particu- 

 larly common on the Murray-flats. 



CytisUS SCOparillS, Link. (Spartium scoparium, L.) 



The Broom-bush. Europe, North Asia. Of less significance 

 as a broon plant than as one of medicinal value. It can 

 also be used for tanning purposes. An alkaloid (Spartein) 

 and a yellow dye (Scoparin) are obtainable from this Broom- 

 bush. 



Dactylis caespitosa, Forster. (Poa Forsteri, Steudel.) 



Euegia, Ealklands Island, South Patagonia. The Tussock- 

 grass. Thrives in cold countries near the sea in pure 

 sand, at the edge of peat-bogs. It would likely prosper in 

 our alpine moors. It is perennial, and reaches to a height 

 of 7 feet. It is very nutritious, and much sought by herds. 

 The base of the stem is nutty and edible. 



Dactylis glomerata, L.* 



Europe, North Africa, North and Middle Asia. The 

 Cocksfoot-grass. Perennial. One of the best of tall pas- 

 ture grasses, adapted as well for dry as moist soil, thus even 

 available for wet clays. It will live also under the shade of 

 trees in forests. Its yield of fodder is rich and continuous, 

 but its stems are hard. It is already largely cultivated, and 

 has become naturalized. 



Daucus Carota L. 



Europe, North Africa, extra-tropic Asia east to Japan. The 

 Carrot. Admits of naturalization along our shores. Beyond 

 the ordinary culinary utilization it serves for the distillation 

 of a peculiar oil. The chemical ' substances Carotin and 

 Hydrocarotin are derived from it. 



