PREFACE. IX 



extant on the timber of that empire, and that of several thousand 

 tropical grasses not many dozen have been tried with chemical 

 exactitude for pastoral purposes. For inquiries of such kind every 

 civilised State is striving to afford in weU-planned, thoughtfully 

 directed, and generously supported special scientific establishments 

 the needful aid, not merely for adding to the prosperity, comfort, 

 and enjoyment of the present generation, but also with an antici- 

 pation of earning the gratitude of prosperity ; and this as a rule is 

 done with a sensitive jealousy to maintain also thereby for scientific 

 dignity and industrial development the fair fame of the country. 

 Friendly consideration will recognise that a desire to arouse more 

 and more such a spirit for emulation has much inspired the writer 

 to ofEer these pages, he trusting that enlightened statesmanship far 

 and wide will foster this aim in the liberal and circumspect manner 

 evinced by the Government of the Indian Empire. 



Melbourne, December 1878. 



