Naturalisation in Extra-Tropical Countries. 413 



Poa pratensis, Linne".* 



The ordinary English Meadow-grass. Widely distributed as 

 indigenous through the extra-tropic regions of the northern hemi- 

 spere, in Greenland to 81 N. A perennial species, with creeping 

 roots, thus pertinaciously maintaining its hold of the soil ; fit for 

 any even very dry meadows, thriving early, and able to live also in 

 alpine localities. Better adapted for pasture than hay. It is suitable 

 also for moor-land, when such is laid dry ; although it flowers only 

 once during the season, it offers a nutritious fodder, even on com- 

 paratively poor soil ; it resists drought, forms an excellent sward, and 

 can be used with advantage for intermixing with other pasture- 

 grasses. Foliage particularly tender. Preferentially grown on the 

 veldts of South- Africa, where it keeps green also during the cool 

 season [F. F. Glass]. In the United States it is known as the 

 Kentucky Blue Grass or Pennsylvania Green Grass, and is considered 

 one of the best for lawns by Professor Meehan. as it will crowd out 

 all weeds in time. 



Poa serotina, Ehrhart. 



Europe, Northern Asia, North-America. A perennial grass, 

 allied to P. nemoralis, excellent for moist meadows and river-banks, 

 it will even prosper on saline ground. Its foliage is tender, tasty 

 and nourishing. In mixtures of grasses it keeps up the growth 

 until late into the autumn. P. fertilis (Host) is a mere variety of 

 this species. 



Poa trivialis, Linne".* 



Europe, North- Africa, Middle and Northern Asia. Also a good 

 perennial grass for mixture on pasture-land. One of the best grasses 

 for sowing on ground recently laid dry. Recommendable also as a 

 lawn-grass. Sinclair regarded the produce of this Poa as superior 

 to many other kinds, and noticed the marked partiality, which 

 horses, oxen and sheep evince towards it. To thrive well, it wants 

 rather moist and rich soil and sheltered places. It is a later grass 

 than P. pratensis, well adapted for hay, and gives good after-growth 

 [Langethal]. Well suited for irrigation-culture. 



These few species of Poa have been singled out as recommendable, 

 because they are well tested. Future experiments beyond Europe 

 will add others to lists of recommendations like this. 



Podacheenium alatum, Bentham. (Ferdinanda eminens, Lagasca.) 



Central America, up to a height of about 8,000 feet. A tall 

 shrub ; on account of the grandeur of its foliage in requisition for 

 scenic effects. 



Podolepis rhytidochlamys, F. v. Mueller. 



Desert regions of Australia. Affords there with P. Lessoni 

 (Bentham), and some few other congeners, feed for sheep. 



