86 



Var. spicigera, Bentli. Ultimate brandies of the panicle bearing 

 one or two sessile spikelets below the terminal one, each accompanied 

 by a pedicellate male. 



Value as a fodder. It is of too harsh a nature to be generally 

 valuable for fodder, except when young. Cattle are, however, fond of 

 it before it gets wiry. The general characteristic of this and other 

 Chrysopogons may be stated as tall, slender grasses, only tender when 

 young, but dry, wiry, and indigestible when old, not forming a dense 

 pasture-growth. 



Mr. A. R. Crawford points out that usually, in this Colony, it grows 

 along fences, where stock cannot get at it. Mr. W. H. Walker remarks 

 that it is to be found for miles in the Tenterfield district within the rail- 

 way fence chiefly, testimony to its appreciation by stock. O'Shanesy 

 says it is a good fodder in Queensland. 



Referring to C. montanus, Trin., J. F. Duthie (quoting C. parviflorus 

 as a synonym), says : " This is found in the hilly parts of Northern 

 India. On Mount Abu I found several patches of this very elegant 

 grass. It is said there to be an excellent fodder grass." Holmes 

 (quoted by Mueller), says that this species resists fire better than many 

 other grasses, which is a recommendation to us in this Colony. 



Speaking of the closely -related C. serrulatus, Trin., Mr. S. M.Tracy 

 (Mississippi Agricultural Experimental Station, Bull. No. 20) says : 

 " This is a perennial grass, the seed of which was received from India, 

 and which is one of our most valuable importations. Although nearly 

 related to our native broom-sedge (? C. nutans, Benth.), it starts into 

 growth much earlier in the spring, produces a heavier growth of leaves, 

 and will yield two cuttings of excellent hay, besides a considerable 

 amount of winter pasturage. It has been entirely free from any injury 

 from cold, and from all attacks of fungus diseases, and is spreading 

 well by self-sown seeds. It grows 4 to 5 feet high, and more than 

 one-half of the hay is made up of the leaves, the stalks being rather 

 small." 



I think that both C. parviflorus and C. gryllus, as well as several of 

 the exotic species, are well worthy of careful experimental cultivation. 



Other uses. In Rajputana the grain is sometimes collected and eaten 

 by the natives. 



Habitat and range. Extends from Victoria to Northern Australia, 

 occurring in our own Colony in the coast districts, in sheltered situa- 

 tions on the Dividing Range and spurs, and on the tablelands. It is 

 partial to rich flats. 



Mr. W. H. Walker states that it is common at Tenterfield and for 

 miles south within the railway fence. 



In the more southern parts of New England it is common. It extends 

 also to Asia and the Pacific Islands. 



Reference to plate. ]. Part of a panicle, showing the inflorescence; 2. Showing the 

 two pedicellate male spikelets and sessile hermaphrodite spikelet undeveloped (much 

 enlarged). In C. yryllus the inflorescence is much larger, is more hairy under the 

 inflorescence, and the second glume of the fertile spikelet is awned. 



