494 MONOCOTYLEDONS AND FERNS 



Eragrostis minor, Host. 



First recorded by Kirk in 1895, as occurring on a heap of ballast 

 (from Buenos Ayres) in Wellington. Apparently not seen since. 



Eragrostis Brownii, Nees 



According to Kirk (1869) this grass was abundant over a large 

 district at Keri Keri in the Bay of Islands, where it was first observed 

 by H. T. Kemp in 1865. It was then spreading rapidly. In 1882 

 Cheeseman further reported it from Northern Wairoa, Whangarei, 

 and near Auckland. In the Manual (1906) it is recorded as abundant 

 in fields and waste places in the North Island. 



Briza maxima, Linn. Trembling-grass 



First recorded in Hooker's list in 1864. Plentiful about Wel- 

 lington in 1877 according to Kirk. Cheeseman in 1882 reports it 

 from two or three localities in the neighbourhood of Auckland. In 

 the Manual (1906) reported as an occasional garden escape. 



Briza minor, Linn. Lesser Trembling-grass 

 First recorded in Hooker's list in 1864, then by Kirk in 1877 

 from Wellington. Very generally distributed in the north by 1882. 

 In the Manual (1906) stated to be not uncommon in fields and waste 

 places in both islands. 



Dactylis glomerata, Linn. Cock's-foot Grass 

 Probably introduced early last century ; first recorded in Hooker's 

 list of 1864. Now (1917) one of the most abundant grasses in pastures 

 and waste places throughout both islands. In many districts (e.g. in 

 Banks' Peninsula), the harvesting of cock's-foot for seed, is one of the 

 important events of the year. In New Zealand this grass has become 

 a most agressive plant, and in light bush tends to crowd out all other 

 undergrowth. 



Cynosurus cristatus, Linn. Dog's-tail Grass 

 First recorded in 1864 in Hooker's list. In 1877 Kirk states that 

 it is more generally naturalised in the Wellington district than any 

 other grass. In 1882 Cheeseman reported it from the Auckland 

 district as not uncommon in various parts on stiff soils. Now (1921) 

 one of the most abundant grasses in the Dominion, especially in 

 parts of the South Island. 



Cynosurus echinatus, Linn. 



In the Manual (1906) recorded, on the authority of Bishop 

 Williams, as occurring in waste places near Gisborne. In 1919 

 Cheeseman recorded it from roadsides at Waihi. 



