Naturalisation in Extra-Tropical Countries. 221 



Ferula Sumbul, J. Hooker. (Euryangium Sumbul, Kauffmann. ) 



Turkestan, at elevations between 3,000 and 4,000 feet. A peren- 

 nial herb, attaining a height of 10 feet or perhaps more. Yields 

 the true Sambul-root, a powerful stimulant, with the odor of musk. 

 It is also a scenic-decorative plant, and proved hardy in England. 



Festuca Coiron, Steudel. 



Chili. A valuable perennial fodder-grass, according to the 

 testimony of Dr. Philippi. 



Festuca dives, F. v. Mueller.* 



Victoria, from West Gippsland to Dandenong, towards the 

 sources of rivers, ascending sub-alpine elevations. One of the most 

 magnificent of all sylvan grasses, often 12 and sometimes when in 

 rank growth on forest-brooks, fully 17 feet long. Root perennial or 

 perhaps of only two or three years' duration. Sometimes numerous 

 stems arise from one root. This rather succulent grass deserves 

 to be brought to any forest-tracts in mild climes, as it prospers in 

 shade; it assumes its grandest forms in deep soil along rivulets. 

 Affords in its native places of growth also feed in the cool season. 

 Mr. Chas. Nott writes from Gippsland that seeds might be obtained by 

 the bushel from the wild plant by merely shaking the grain from the 

 panicles into a bag. The large panicle affords nutritious forage, so 

 does the young foliage. Cattle and horses are particularly fond of 

 it [J. Pittard], 



Festuca elatior, Linne".* 



The Meadow-Fescue. Europe. North-Africa, Northern and 

 Middle Asia. A perennial grass, attaining a height of several feet. 

 There are several varieties of this species ; the tallest follows rivers 

 readily as far down as the tides reach ; the ordinary form is well 

 adapted for permanent pastures, has tender leaves, produces 

 excellent, tasty, nutritious hay, and is early out in the season. 

 Langethal places Meadow-Fescue above Timothy and Foxtail-grass 

 in value, though its copiousness is somewhat less. The seed is 

 readily collected. The tall variety (arundinacea) will occupy wet 

 land preferentially among the best of eligible fodder-grasses. It 

 can be mixed advantageously with F. ovina, is superior to Rye- 

 grass in production and improves with age. It succeeds also on 

 humid and even swampy ground and in forest land as well with 

 sandy as a calcareous subsoil; but it is not adapted for dry poor 

 ground ; on the contrary, it is one of the best grasses for irrigated 

 land. Dr. Curl observes, that this and some other Fescues grow 

 vigorously in New Zealand, and yield pasturage there also in the 

 cool season, when Rye-grass is nearly dormant. Chemical analysis, 

 made in spring, gave the following results : Albumen 2'47, gluten 

 2-75, starch 0-50, gum 2'84, sugar 2-84 per cent. [F. v. Mueller 

 and L. Rummel]. V. arundinacea (Schreber), F. pratensis and F. 

 loliacea (Hudson) are varieties of this species. 



