Naturalisation in Extra-Tropical Countries. 41 



Andropogon furcatus, Muehlenberg. 



South-Eastern States of North-America. Adapted for consolidating 

 drift-sand of coasts [Prof. Naudin], Very near A. provincialis. 



Andropogon Gryllus, Linn. 



In the warm temperate and the hot zone of the eastern hemisphere. 

 A perennial pasture-grass, of easy dissemination, with some con- 

 geners useful in climes too arid for more tender grasses. 



Andropogon Halepensis, Brotero.* (Sorghum Haltpense, Persoon.) 



Southern Europe, warmer parts of Asia, Northern Africa. Praised 

 already by Theophrastos more than 2,000 years ago. Attains a 

 height of 5 to 6 feet. Not easily repressed in moist ground. A rich 

 perennial grass, cultivated often under the name of Cuba-grass and 

 Johnson-grass. All the vernacular names, given to this grass, should 

 be discontinued in maintaining the very appropriate original appella- 

 tion "Haleppo-grass." It keeps green in the heat of summer [J. L. 

 Dow], and is also a winter-grass in frost-free localities; is not eaten 

 out by pasture-animals [Rollings worth] ; it will also grow in drift- 

 sand of the coast, and will keep growing during the dry season, when 

 most other grasses fail, but improves much on irrigation ; the roots 

 resist some frost ; three tons can be cut from one acre in a single 

 season; it yields so large a hay-crop, that it may be cut half a dozen 

 times in a season, should the land be rich. All kinds of stock have 

 a predilection for this grass. Much overlooked in its importance for 

 fixing loose soil on embankments. It will mat the soil with its deep 

 and spreading roots ; hence it should be kept from cultivated fields. 

 Detrimental to Lucerne on meadows [Rev. Dr. Woolls]. In Victoria 

 hardy up to 2,000 feet elevation. 



Andropogon Ischaemum, Linn. 



Southern Europe, Southern Asia, Africa. One of the fittest of 

 grasses for hot dry sand-regions, and of most ready spontaneous dis- 

 persion. Perennial. Succeeds well on lime-soil and that containing 

 gypsum. In its new annual upgrowth it is particularly liked by 

 sheep. It needs burning off in autumn. 



Andropogon Ivarancusa, Roxborough. 



Southern Asia and Tropical Africa. The well known root is of 

 aromatic taste with some bitterness. The plant is nearest allied to 

 A. laniger (Desfoutaines) according to Hackel. 



Andropogon montanus, Roxburgh. 



Southern Asia, Northern and Eastern Australia. Rapid in growth 

 and valuable for fodder when young ; resists fire better than many 

 other grasses [Holmes]. Seeds freely [F. Turner]. Perennial, like 

 most other species of this large genus. 



