29 



makes itself. Silage, I repeat, will only be useful when by means of 

 it can be saved what would otherwise be lost." 



The following tropical grasses are selected as possessing special merits 

 for fodder purposes. Amongst them are plants suitable for almost every 

 condition found in tropical countries. The list has had the advantage 

 of the revision of Sir Joseph Hooker, who is now working out the 

 grasses of British India and who has suggested some emendations of 

 the commonly accepted nomenclature. 



1. — Anthistiria australis, R. Br. — The well-known "Kangaroo grass" 

 of Australia, but widely distributed throughout southern Asia and the 

 whole of Africa. A perennial upright grass over 3 feet in height. It 

 enjoys a wide reputation and is regarded as the most useful of the in- 

 digenous grasses of eastern Australia, stock of all descriptions being 

 remarkably fond of it. The roots are strong, and penetrate the soil to 

 a great depth, so the plant remains green during the greater part of the 

 summer. In the autumn the foliage turns brown, when, however, its 

 nutritive qualities are said to be at the highest. If cut as soon as the 

 flower stem appears it can be made into excellent hay. The most 

 reliable way to propagate this grass is by division of the roots. It 

 perfects very little seed (Turner). 



2. — Anthistiria avenacea, F. Muell. — "Tall oat-grass" of New South 

 Wales. A nutritious perennial pasture grass, often rising to a height 

 of 4 to 5 feet It grows generally in tussocks, and prefers rich soils, 

 where its roots can penetrate deeply into the ground. It thus can with- 

 stand long spells of dry weather with impunity. It yields a large 

 amount of bottom fodder, and is regarded by Bailey as "one of the 

 most productive grasses of Australia." It possesses the advantage of 

 seeding freely. Turner remarks " it might be profitably cultivated for 

 ensilage, especially if it were cut before the flower stems become hard 

 and cane-like." 



3. — Astrebla pectinata, F. Muell. — Widely distributed in dry regions 

 inland in north and east Australia. Closely allied to " Mitchell grass," 

 but usually not so tall. A perennial desert grass, resisting drought, 

 and sought with avidity by sheep, and very fattening to them and 

 other pasture animals. Seeding freely (Mueller). 



4 — Astrebla triticoides, F. Muell (Danthonia triticoides, Lindl.). — 

 The " Mitchell grass" of Australia. A very valuable perennial grass 

 with glaucous green leaves. On rich soils it produces a great amount 

 of rich herbage, of which stock of all kinds are remarkably fond. 

 Cattle are said to fatten on this grass even when it is much dried up 

 during periods of drought. If cut when about to flower it makes ex- 

 cellent hay. Turner " thoroughly recommends it for permanent 

 pastures." The land should, how T ever, be well drained. 



5. — Gynodon Dactulon, Pers. — A prostrate perennial grass with very 

 narrow glaucous green leaves. It is widely distributed in all hot 

 countries, and extends also into temperate regions. It passes under 

 various names, such as ft Bahama grass," " Bermuda grass," * Indian 

 couch grass," " Doub," and " Doorva." It is an important grass for 

 covering bare, barren land, and for making smooth, compact lawns. It 

 resists extreme drought, and once established in cultivated land it is 



