492 MONOCOTYLEDONS AND FERNS 



Holcus lanatus, Linn. Yorkshire-fog ; Soft-grass 



Probably introduced very early ; first recorded by Hooker in 1864. 

 A most abundant grass in fields and on roadsides, in both islands. 

 In damp land this is readily eaten by cattle, but as a general rule it 

 is a poor grass, and takes the place of better pasture grasses. According 

 to Cheeseman sheep eat this more readily than any of the indigenous 

 grasses on runs. 



Holcus mollis, Linn. Fog ; Soft-grass 



With the last an early introduction; first recorded by Hooker in 

 1864. Also a common grass in similar localities to those occupied 

 by the preceding species, but by no means so abundant. 



Aira Caryophyllea, Linn. Hair-grass 



First recorded by Kirk in 1870 from the neighbourhood of Auck- 

 land, where it was common in most localities in 1882. Also in 1877 

 from Wellington. In 1917 an abundant grass in meadows, waste 

 places and sides of roads. 



Aira prcecox, Linn. Hair-grass 



Cheeseman reports that a few plants of this species were observed 

 near Waiuku (Auckland) in 1877. In the Manual (1906) it is reported 

 as not uncommon in fields and waste places in both islands. 



Deschampsia flexuosa, Trin. Wavy Hair-grass 



First recorded by Cheeseman in 1882 as occurring in fields on 

 the Auckland Isthmus. In the Manual (1906) said to occur locally 

 in heathy places in both islands. 



Eleusine indica, Gaertn. 



This species is indigenous in the Kermadec Islands, but has been 

 introduced into New Zealand, and was first recorded in 1864, in 

 Hooker's list, as occurring near Auckland. It has also been met with 

 at Westport. 



Eleusine coracana, Gaertn. 



Recorded by Kirk in 1895 as occurring on a ballast heap at 

 Wellington. It evidently did not become established. 



Avena sativa, Linn. Common Oat 

 Apparently first introduced by Captain Cook in 1773. Forster 

 tells us that in the various gardens made in Queen Charlotte Sound 

 "he had likewise sown corn of several sorts." In 1882 Cheeseman 

 made the interesting statement that this species "has become exten- 

 sively naturalised on sea-cliffs in the northern and central portions 



