MITIGATION OF FLOODS IN THE HUNTER RIVER. 125 



14. Aruiido donax, Linn. This handsome " Bamboo Reed" 



is now well acclimatised in New South Wales and 

 flourishes in moist situations. It is a good soil-binder. 



15. Arundo phragmites, Linn., (Phragmites communis, 

 Trin.) The " Bamboo Reed " of New South Wales 

 and many other parts of the world. It grows natur- 

 ally along the margins of lagoons and water-courses 

 and its growth should be encouraged on the Lower 

 Hunter. I believe it to be the " Small cane " referred 

 to in the enclosed letter to me by Mr. Charles Ledger 

 the well known South American traveller of "Cinchona 

 Ledgeriana" fame: — "The valleys of the Sama and 

 Locumba are somewhat like those of the Hunter. In 

 the first (Sama) is situated 30 miles of sandy plains 

 near Tacna (Peru). During Dec, Jan., Feb., and 

 March (or rainy season) its river, increased by the 

 rains in the interior, rushes clown its course from W. 

 to E. with great force, undermining the banks on both 

 sides, carrying away in that manner acres of soil 

 where the banks are not protected by rows of small 

 cane growing to a height of 10 to 12 feet. This small 

 cane breaks the force of the rushing waters, and thus 

 the river overflows its banks without carrying away 

 the soil as formerly. In tlie same way the valley of 

 Locumba is protected, indeed all valleys so situated in 

 Peru." 



16. Bambusa gracilis, Hort. and B. nigra, Lodd. Two 

 more small bamboos that I can recommend as bank- 

 protectors. 



17. Cyperus altemifolius, Linn. An ornamental sedge 

 from Madagascar which flourishes in damp situations. 



18. Esedllonia rubra, Pers. A small shrub from Chili 

 which might be tried as a bank-protector. 



