MITIGATION OF FLOODS IN THE HUNTER RIVER. 123 



8. Olea europea, Linn. The common " Olive." It likes 



good soil, and although it prefers proximity to the sea, 

 there are many places in the Middle Hunter where it 

 will nourish. The wild Olive which yields but a poor 

 fruit could be planted, but I would like to see truncheons 

 planted of the best pickling and oil-yielding Olives 

 obtainable. 



9. Polygala mijrtifolia, Linn. A shrub of moderate size 



from the Oape. Not of special merit. 



10. Sallx aurea, Salisb. (a variety of the Huntingdon Willow 

 S. alba, Linn.). The "Golden Willow." Most willows 

 are valuable for the purpose under reference. 



11. Tamarix gallica, Linn. The "Tamarisk." A native 

 of Europe and Asia, which is very tolerant as regards 

 soil and situation. It grows readily from cuttings and 

 is a well tested soil-binder, even of sand. 



C List of grasses, creeping shrubs, etc., recommended 

 for the banks of the Lower Hunter : — 



1. Cynodoii dactylon, Pers. The " Doub " or common 



"Couch-grass" of Eastern Australia. It is an excel- 

 lent soil or sand-binder, so well known as not to require 

 extended notice at this place. This and the Ave grasses 

 which follow form a dense turf. 



2. Panicum plicatum, Lam. This is a broad leaved grass 



from Southern Asia, which forms a coarse turf when 

 eaten down. 



3. Paspalum dilatatum, Poiret. During the last few years 



this American grass has come into great prominence 

 for grazing for dairy cattle. It and several other 

 Paspalums are excellent sand-binders and should be 

 encouraged on the Lower Hunter. 



4. Paspalum distichum, Linn. "Silt grass" or "Water 



Couch." A native grass and a good soil-binder in 

 moist situations. 



