FOR VICTORIAN INDUSTRIAL CULTURE. 



153 



Panicum decompositum, E. Brown. (P. laevinode, Lindley.) 

 The Australian Millet. One of the most spacious of native 

 nutritious grasses. The aborigines convert the small millet- 

 like grains into cakes. This grass will thrive on poor soil. 



Panicum fluitans, Eetzius. 



Tropical Asia and Africa. This grass, like P. spinescens 

 (E/. Brown), of East Australia, ought to be naturalised along 

 lakes, lagoons and rivers, particularly for the benefit of 

 water-fowl. 



Panicum frumentaceum, Boxburgh. 



The Shamalo or Deccan Grass. Probably introduced from 

 tropical Africa into South Asia. It serves as a fodder-grass 

 and produces also a kind of Millet. 

 To this species is allied P. sarmentosum, Boxb., from Sumatra, 

 which is now likewise much cultivated in tropical countries. 

 It is perennial. 



Panicum Italicum, Linne. 



This grass, notwithstanding its specific name, is of Indian 

 origin, but appears to be likewise a native of North Aus- 

 tralia. It is annual and worthy to be cultivated as a tender 

 green-fodder, attaining a height of five feet. It keeps weeds 

 down. The abundantly-produced grain is not only one of the 

 best for poultry, but that of some varieties can also be utilised 

 as Millet. P. Germanicum, Both., is a form of this species. 



Panicum Koenigii, Sprengel. (P. Helopus, Trin.) 

 India. A good fodder-grass. 



Panicum latissimum, Mikan, 



Brazil. A highly-ornamental grass. Leaves extremely 

 broad but hard ', panicle very rich. 



Panicum maximum, Jacquin.* (P. jumentorum, Persoon.) 

 The Guinea-Grass. Tropical Africa; elsewhere not indi- 

 genous. This perennial grass attains a height of eight feet 

 in tropical countries. It is highly nutritious and quite 

 adapted for the warmer parts of our colonial territory. 



Panicum miliaceum, Linne. ''^ {P. miliare, Lam.) 



The true Millet. South Asia and North Australia, but 

 cultivated in Southern Europe already at Hippocrates' and 

 Theophrastos' time. Annual, attaining a height of four feet. 

 Several varieties occur, one with black grains. They all need 

 a rich but friable soil. It is one of the best of all grains for 

 poultry, but furnishes also a palatable and nutritious table- 

 food. It ripens still in Middle Europe. 



Panicum pilosum, Swartz. 



Tropical America. A perennial fodder-grass. 



