150 Select Plants for Industrial Culture and 



Danthonia penicillata, F. v. Mueller.* 



The Wallaby-grass. Extra-tropical Australia and New Zealand, 

 ascending to alpine elevations. Mr. A. N. Grant mentions this as 

 the most gregarious of grasses in Riverina, though after seeding 

 early in summer it becomes parched, until it pushes afresh after 

 the first autumnal rains. It is most easily disseminated. Dr. Curl 

 found this perennial grass useful for artificial mixed pasture. Its 

 principal value is in spring. Noted as very valuable in its native 

 localities. Deserving of methodic rearing. Will live where cocks- 

 foot and rye-grass succumb for Avant of humidity or nourishment 

 [Th. Mason], 



Danthonia robusta, F. v. Mueller. 



Australian Alps. Forms large patches of rich forage near or at 

 the very edge of glaciers and may therefore possibh endure 

 the winters of Middle Europe. The tall D. rigida (Raoul) of New 

 Zealand is closely allied. Prof. Hieronymus mentions D. picta 

 (Nees) as a superior grass of extra-tropic South-America for 

 sheep-pastures. 



Datisca cannabina. Linne. 



From Greece to Upper India. A perennial herb ; the leaves- 

 and roots are used in medicine, and also yield a superior yellow 

 dye. 



Daucus Carota. Linne.* 



The Carrot. Europe, North- Africa, extra-tropical Asia, east to 

 Japan, north to the Shetland-Islands, but succeeds also as a culture 

 plant in equatorial countries [Cantley] matures seeds well even in 

 the desert-regions of Central Australia [Rev. H. Kempe], where it 

 yields a crop at any part of the season. Biennial Admits of 

 naturalisation along shores. In Norway it is grown to lat. 70 22' 

 [Schuebeler] . Beyond ordinary culinary utilisation it serves 

 for the distillation of alcohol and a peculiar oil. Large-rooted 

 varieties as well as the herb give a good admixture to stable-fodder. 

 The fresh root acts as an anthelmintic. Within the tropics Carrots 

 are a crop of the cool season. At Singapore the Shorthorn-variety 

 thrives best [H. N. Ridley]. Carrot-treacle can also be prepared 

 from the root. Requires lime in the soil for its prolific culture. 

 The chemical substances carotin and hydrocarotin are derived from 

 it. Mess. Dippe in Quedlinburg keep about 130 acres under culture 

 merely for carrot-seeds. These will retain their vitality for a few 

 years ordinarily preserved. 



Debregreasia edulis, Weddell. 



The Janatsi or Teon-itsigo of Japan. Berries of this bush edible; 

 fibre valuable for textile fabrics. A few Indian species, with ^ fibre 

 resembling that of Boehmeria, ascend the Himalaya for several 

 thousand feet, and may therefore be very hardy namely : D. velu- 



