This latter opinion is probably a fair estimate of its value as a pasture grass, and, as it has also little 
bulk to recommend it as a fodder plant, it may be left to its own natural power of increase in New 
Zealand, as there are superior grasses equally adapted for wet situations, which will better repay the 
expense attending aided propagation. 
Glyceria Jluitans , R. Brown, can be recommended as a valuable grass for wet land. This exotic 
species is already not uncommon in several parts of New Zealand, and the following comparative values 
of it with Alopecurus geniculatus may prove interesting. They are taken from the Woburn experi¬ 
ments of Mr. Sinclair, see “Hortus Gramineus Woburnensis,” pp. 349, 353 :— 
“Alopecurus geniculatus: The produce per acre was 6806 lb., which, when dry, amounted to 
2892 lb., and, on analysis, yielded of nutrient matter 292 lb.” 
“ Glyceria jluitans : The produce per acre was 13,612 lb., which, when dry, amounted to 4083 lb., 
and, on analysis, yielded of nutrient matter 372 lb.” Cows eat this grass greedily near Wellington, and 
give more milk when fed upon it. 
Glyceria aquatica is also a most valuable grass in wet places, and worthy of introduction to New 
Zealand, as the following analysis from the Woburn experiments prove :— 
“ Glyceria aquatica : The produce per acre was 126,596 lb., which, when dry, amounted to 
75>957 lb., and, on analysis, yielded of nutrient matter 4945 lb. At the time of flowering the produce 
contains more nutrient matter than when the seed is ripe, in the proportion of 19 to 17. In the fens of 
Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire immense tracts are covered by this grass, which not only affords rich 
pasturage in summer, but forms the chief part of the winter fodder.” 
The best method of propagating these grasses will probably be by the roots, as the only species yet 
introduced does not always ripen its seed. It also shows a capacity for growing on dry ground, and 
may, therefore, prove valuable on the farm in mixed fodder crops. 
Distribution in New Zealand : NORTH ISLAND : EAST COAST Colenso; AUCK¬ 
LAND—Kirk ; KAWAU (probably introduced)—Buchanan. SOUTH ISLAND : NELSON 
(Sub-alpine)—H. H. Travers; CANTERBURY—Lyall, Armstrong; LAKE OHAU—Haast; 
OTAGO LAKE DISTRICT (Sub-alpine)—Hector and Buchanan. 
Reference to Plate V.: Fig. 1. Plant. 2. Spikelet. 3. Floret. 4. Nervation of empty glumes. 
5. Nervation of flowering glume. 6. Ovary with long feathery stigmas. 
