Naturalisation in Extra- Tropical Countries. 25 



the soil must be penetrable. Its turf on coast-meadows is particu- 

 larly dense and of remarkable fineness. For sowing, only one-sixth 

 of the weight of the seeds, as compared with those of the rye- 

 grass, is needed. The creeping variety is also valuable for fine and 

 enduring lawns. 



Agrostis rubra, Linnc. 



Northern Europe, Asia and America. A perennial grass, called 

 red-top and also herd-grass in the United States of North -America. 

 Professor Meehan places it for value on pasture-land among 

 grasses cultivated there next after Phleum pratense and Poa pra- 

 tensis (the latter there called blue-grass), and before Dactylis 

 glomerata, the orchard-grass of the United States. 



Agrrostis scabra. Willdenow. 



The Hair-grass of North-America. Recently recommended as 

 one of the best lawn-grasses, forming a dense turf: It will grow 

 even on poor gravelly soil, and endure drought as well as extreme 

 cold. Its fine roots and suckers spread rapidly, forming soon dense 

 matted sods [Dr. Channing]. It starts into new growth immedi- 

 ately after being cut, is selected for its sweetness by pasture- 

 animals, has proved one of the best grasses for dairy ground, and 

 suppresses weeds like Hordeum secalinum. One bushel of seed to 

 an acre suffices for pastures ; two bushels are used for lawns. A. 

 perennaiis (Tukermann) is an allied species of similar value. 



Agrostis Solandri, F. v. Mueller. 



Extra-tropical Australia and New Zealand. Produces a large 

 quantity of sweet fodder in damp localities [Bailey]. Valuable as 

 a meadow-grass [W. Hill]. In Australia it is essentially a winter- 

 grass, but available also in our sub-alpine regions [J. Stirling]. 

 Highly relished by all kinds of pasture-animals [Fr. Turner]. 

 Chemical analysis in spring gave the following results : Albumen, 

 408; Gluten, 8.81; Starch, 1.34: Gum, 2.50 ; Sugar, 9.75 per cent. 

 [F. v. Mueller and L. Hummel] . Under the name A. Forsteri 

 (Roemer and Schultes) only some forms of this very variable grass 

 are comprehended. Dr. Solander was the discoverer. 



Agrrostis vulg-aris, Withering. 



Europe, Northern Africa, Middle Asia, North -America. One of 

 the perennial grasses which disseminate themselves with celerity, 

 even over the worst of sandy soils. Though not a tall grass, it 

 may be destined to contribute perhaps with others largely to the 

 grazing capabilities of desert-lands ; yet it will thrive also even in 

 moist soil and alpine regions, and is essentially a grass for sheep- 

 pastures ; counted by Hein and many others also among valuable 

 lawn-grasses . 



