496 Transactions.—Z oology. 
For cool moist lands, especially those liable to occasional inundation, it 
must be considered a grass of the highest value, and should be generally 
cultivated in these situations. On the margins of rivers it assumes a sub- 
fluitant habit, and in some parts of the Waikato may be pulled from the 
water-margin in immense quantities. It is not adapted for cultivation in 
the South Island. 
Zoysia pungens, Willd. 
A creeping-rooted grass, which often forms a dense sward of short 
herbage, especially in moist places near the sea. The herbage is sweet and 
nutritious, and is of quick growth after cropping. Although greedily eaten, 
especially by sheep, its peculiar dwarf habit renders it ineligible for 
mixed cultivation. It is plentiful in the Taupo country, where it usually 
exhibits a depauperated appearance, caused by the dry character of the soil. 
Dichelachne crinita, Hook., f. 
This grass is common on all dry soil of ordinary quality, and is usually 
abundant on deserted Maori cultivations. It affords a considerable yield of 
useful herbage for horses and cattle, but is not a grass of the first-class. 
Dichelachne sciurea, Hook. 
This species appears to be remarkably local. I have not seen it south 
of the Manukau. It occurs freely on dry soils in several localities about 
Auckland, where it is closely cropped by horses and cattle, but suffers from 
drought, almost disappearing with the first continued dry weather. 
Sporobolus elongatus, Br. : 
Rat's Tail or Chilian Grass of the settlers. This grass occurs in abund- 
ance from Cape Reinga to Taupo, when it becomes rare and local. It is 
found in a few places about Wellington, and sparingly near Nelson. Like 
Microlana stipoides, it is inereasing from the extension of agricultural opera- 
tions. In some districts, as at Hokianga and Port Waikato, it has taken 
possession of cleared places on the hills, and forms a dense sward, to the 
exclusion of other grasses. 
It adapts itself to soils of the most opposite descriptions, and grows 
with equal luxuriance on the stiffest clays, the lightest scoria, and the finest 
sand, while its deep-rooted habit enables it to resist the most severe 
drought. 
It is somewhat harsh, so that horses and cattle accustomed to Rye-grass 
do not care about it at first, but soon acquire a liking for it, and eat it with 
avidity. 
It does not appear so well adapted for general mixed pasturage, as for 
special mixtures for working cattle, but this can only be settled by actual 
experiment. The best testimony to its nutritive value is the capital eon- 
dition of cattle feeding largely or exclusively upon it. In many places it 
