187 
Mr. T. E. Grigg, of Fareham, Girilambone, says he knows nothing better than 
Nitraria Schdberi as a sand-binder. It is a spreading shrub, and it is absolutely drought- 
resistant. 
The coastal species, Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta), the White Cedar (Melia 
Azedarach), and Acacia Baileyana have developed remarkable drought-resistance. 
Mr. Grigg has for many years been experimenting on plants under Western 
conditions, and his short papers are always worth studying e.g., " Report of experiments 
carried out at Fareham, Marra Creek" (Agric. Gaz., August, 1906, p. 789); "The 
deterioration of pastoral country " (July, 1900, p. 610); "A plea for our Western scrub 
and salt-bushes " (August, 1900, p. 658). 
See also R. W. Peacock, " Salt-bushes : their conservation and cultivation " 
(Agric. Gaz., March, 1904, p. 211); "Salt-bushes" (July, 1901, p. 791); "Salt-bushes 
and edible trees" (February, 1901, p. 225); " Our Western lands : their deterioration 
and possible improvement" (August, 1900, p. 652); "The reclamation of scalded 
plains " (July, 1899, p. 635) ; and many other papers by the same author on Western 
cultivation problems. 
Turning to exotic plants, some of the Cowpeas ( Vigna Catjang) have been 
recommended as sand-binders. I would also try the Sheep's Burnet (Poterium 
sanguisorba) with its large root stock. 
On the Mesas of Arizona and Western Texas is found the " Running Mesquite " 
(Bouteloua oligostachya). This would probably be worth a trial. 
The Carob tree is very drought-resistant, and might be further experimented 
with. So also the Pepper Tree (Schinus molle), a useful shade tree, though not, of use 
for anything else. 
Amongst economic plants the Date Palm takes high rank, and it has for many 
years been acclimatised in the desert country north of South Australia. I have tasted 
very fair dates from these palms for several years. 
The results of an experimental planting made by the U: S. Division of Forestry in 1890 on the sand- 
hills of Nebraska seems to have proved that the Banksian Pine (Pinus divaricata) is one of the best adapted 
species for planting in arid conditions.* 
Although not referring to such severe conditions as our western sand-hills and 
other western country, a paper, " Forest planting in a treeless country," Part iii 
of Bull. IV (U.S.A. Dept. of Agric. and Forests), by B. E. Fernow, will be found 
suggestive. 
* Forestry Quarterly, No. 2, p. 80. See also " Notes on Sand-drift planting in Nebraska," p. 355. U.S. Year-book n/ 
Agric. (1895). 
