1234 
MESSRS. J. B. LAWES, J. H. GILBERT, AND M. T. MASTERS, 
Of the 22 plots there is only one, viz. : that with the larger quantity of nitrate of 
soda and the mixed mineral manure (14), on which this plant has not been first, second, 
or third in order of prominence. It has been second much more frequently than first; 
indeed, more frequently so than any other species. It gained greatly in prominence up 
to the third separation year, 1872; and it has remained very prominent up to the 
present time, especially in the wetter seasons. 
It has yielded more than 5 per cent, of the total produce on every plot except plot 
14 (nitrate and minerals); and with very few exceptions it has done so in each of the 
four separation years. Indeed, in many cases it has formed a large proportion of the 
total herbage, amounting in a few to nearly 30 per cent. It is only very prominent 
where there is a liberal supply of nitrogen, under which condition its tufted habit 
becomes more conspicuous; but it is beaten by some freer-growing grasses where the 
manurial conditions are favourable to high maturation as well as to luxuriance. It is 
late in coming to maturity ; and in a dry season is so backward that it scarcely flowers 
in the first crop. Hence, other things being equal, it yields a favourable percentage 
in the produce of different seasons. In 1870 it suffered greatly from the drought, but 
speedily recovered, even in the autumn of that year when the rain fell. 
Holcus lanatus. 
The roots of this grass do not penetrate deeply, but form a dense mat just beneath 
the surface. The rootstock has a slight tendency to creep. The culms are closely 
tufted, 1 to 2 feet in height, rooting freely from the lower nodes. The whole plant is 
more or less downy, and therefore perhaps less injuriously affected by frost or radiation. 
It is moderately early, flowering in June and July, and again in the autumn. It yields 
a plentiful aftermath which, however, is said not to be relished by cattle. Under 
natural conditions it grows most freely in rather damp soils. 
The characters favourable to its growth are its hardiness, its tufted habit, its tendency 
to produce roots from the base of the stems, and its densely-matted roots beneath the 
surface. 
Table XL. shows the conditions of its predominance. 
