Kink.— Economic Properties of certain Native Grasses. 495 
About Wellington and Nelson it suffers slightly from the early frosts, 
but not to so great an extent as might be expected. 
It grows with equal luxuriance on the light scoria soils and tertiary clays 
of the Auckland Isthmus, and, allowing for the difference of climate, in the 
jurassic clays of Wellington and Nelson. Although it would yield rather 
less per acre than Rye-grass or Meadow-fescue, it commences to grow earlier 
in the season, and is of quicker growth after cropping, while it is adapted 
for a greater variety of soils than either. If we add to these good qualities, 
its high nutritious value, it must be allowed a high place amongst the best 
of our Native Grasses, and may be recommended for all permanent mixed 
pasture at low elevations in the North Island at least. 
Mierolena avenacea, Hook., f. 
This species produces a considerable quantity of rather coarse herbage, 
which is eaten by horses and cattle in the absence of better kinds. As it 
grows under the shade of trees, it is well adapted for sowing in woods to 
which cattle have access, but it is not suitable for mixed open pasturage. 
: . Hierochloe redolens, Bn. 
Further observation of this grass has confirmed the opinion already 
expressed, that although eaten by horses and cattle it is not adapted for 
general cultivation. In the South Island it ascends to 8,500 feet, and 
becomes less coarse in habit. In this state it is sometimes cropped by 
sheep, but in nearly all cases it may be advantageously replaced by other 
species. 
Hierochloe alpina, Rem. and Sch. 
In the South Island this species occurs from 2,000 to 4,000 feet, mostly 
in sheltered moist spots. Although of slender habit it yields a considerable 
quantity of herbage, which is eaten by stock of all kinds. It seems of value 
for mixed sub-alpine pasturage, especially in moist situations. 
Paspalum distichum, Burm. 
Apparently restricted to maritime situations north of the Taupo country. 
Not adapted for general cultivation, but of special value for sowing in salt 
marshes and swamps, where it is always sought after by horses and cattle. 
Isachne australis, Br. 
This species is plentiful in swampy places and by river-sides, from the 
North Cape to Upper Waikato, occurring sparingly from that district to 
Lake Taupo. 
It is a slender species, affording a heavy yield of excellent herbage, 
which is greedily eaten alike by horses, cattle, and sheep. Its value was 
fully realized during the early settlement of the Waikato, where in many 
situations it was almost the only species available during the summer 
months, 
