AUSTRALIAN SALTBUSH. 329 



to prepare it for autumn seeding, would probably be 

 the best. 



Sowing. — Some authorities have recommended ger- 

 minating the plants in the greenhouse and then plant- 

 ing them out. But this plan will not answer for large 

 areas, owing to the cost. The seed should be scattered 

 on land prepared as described, in the autumn, at which 

 season some precipitation may- be looked for, and to 

 cover it with the hal-row. But, on some alkali soils, 

 better results will be obtained from sowing the seed 

 on certain alkali lands on undisturbed surfaces, and 

 pressing the same into the surface soil by running 

 over it a heavy roller. Under yet other conditions, 

 as when the plants are liable ^o be disturbed by weeds, 

 it has been recommended to sow the plants in rows 

 several feet apart and to give them some cultivation 

 for a time. It is not usually necessary to seed heavily, 

 since, when the plants have once become established, 

 they will scatter seeds and will thus form additional 

 plants if allowed to do so. 



Pasturing. — Grazing with horses, cattle, sheep or 

 goats may take place at any season that the animals 

 will eat the plants. There is no dispute as to the 

 plants being nutritious since they are relatively rich 

 in protein, but much difference of opinion is expressed 

 as to the palatability in the same. It is pretty cer- 

 tain that domestic animals, unless it be goats, will 

 prefer grass when they can get it, but that in the ab- 

 sence of grass they will feed upon the Saltbush pastures 

 with readiness. The best service probably which these 

 plants will render is in producing winter grazing. 



