﻿Report on Native and Introduced Grasses. 301 



MicrolcBua avenacea, Br. — A coarse grass, often eaten by cattle, and 

 valuable for sowing in open forests, etc. 



Isachne australis, Br. — One of tlie best grasses for mainlands and swamps j 

 greedily eaten by horses, cattle, and sheep ; produces a large yield of slender 

 but nutritious herbage, but would probably not resist frost ; found from 

 ISTorth Cape to Upper Waikato ; a valuable grass from spring to autumn. 



Zoysia j^ungens, Willd. — A low growing grass, rarely more than 2 to 3 

 inches high, producing a compact swaixl of short but succulent and nutritious 

 herbage ; chiefly on land or mud by the sea. Abundant in central and upper 

 Waikato, where it dou.btless marks the site of an ancient sea-basin. Closely 

 cropped by sheep, horses, and cattle. From Spirits Bay to Upper Waikato, 

 and probably further south.* 



SiJoroholus elongalus, Br. — A grass of remarkable toughness and hardiness 

 of endurance. In Lower Waikato and other places it forms extensive pastures, 

 and is kept as closely cropped by cattle as if frequently mown ; still it is not 

 a favoui'ite grass where other kinds can be had. From North Cape to Upper 

 Waikato and Lake Taupo ; and, like some other plants, is increasing from the 

 spread of agricultural opei-ations. 



Agrostis BiUardieri, Br. — A rather coarse grass ; not uncommon on poor 

 soils, but not much eaten by cattle. 



Appendix B. 



Notes on grasses indigenous to the Province of Canterbury. 

 By J. F. and J. B. Armstrong. 



1. Microlcena avenacea, Br. — A large coarse grass, common in woods and 

 warm gu]lies, not hardy in the Government Domain ; eaten by cattle ; of no 

 use to the farmer. Flowers in December. 



2. Aloioecurus geniculatus, L.— The common fox-tail grass ; found in various 

 swampy localities, also found in Europe and America ; of no use to the 

 cultivator. Flowers in December, January, and February. 



3. Hierochloe redolens, Br.- — Karetu, swamp grass; abundant in swamps 

 and wet places ; eaten by stock, but far too coarse for general cultivation. 

 November and December. 



4. Hierochloe alioina, R. and S. — Somewhat like H. redolens, but smaller, 

 and a much superior grass ; it is aljjine and not common. 



5. Spinifex hirsutus, Lab. — -A curious grass, of no agricultural importance ; 

 the burr grass of the settlers. 



6. Panicum imbecille, Trin. — This is said to be found in the province, but 

 we have never observed it ; it is probably worthless. 



* See ' ' Handbook N. Z. flora. " 



