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inferior in value for hay this grass is well adapted for permanent
pasture, as it forms a dense tu rf without suffocating
other grasses or fodder-herbs.
Cyperus corymbosus, Rottboell,
India. This stately perennial species may be chosen to
fringe our lakes and ponds. I t is extensively used for mats
in India.
Cyperus esculentus, Linné.
South Europe, West Asia, various parts of Africa. Produces
the “ Chufa” or Ground Almond, an edible root which
contains 27 per cent, of starch, 17 per cent, of oil and 12
per cent, of saccharine substance. This plant does not spread
like the C. rotundas, and can be reared on sand-land, though
in rich loose soil the harvest is far more plentiful. The
tubers, of wbicli 100 to 150 can be obtained from each plant,
are consumed either raw or cooked. Hogs root them up for
food. The oil surpasses in excellence of taste all other oils
used for culinary purposes. The roasted tubers are a fair
substitute for coffee. Tbe root of the North American C.
phymatodes (Muehlenberg) is also nutty.
Cyperus Papyrus, Linné.
The Nile Papyrus. Though no longer strictly an utilitarian
plant, as in ancient times, it could scarcely be passed on this
occasion, as it ought to become valuable in the horticultural
trade. Its grand aspect recommends it as very decorative
for aquatic plantations.
Cyperus proliferus, Linné fil.
Canary Islands. The “ Tagasaste.” This tall herb is recommended
as a fodder-plant in countries exposed to drought.
Cyperus Syriacus, Parlatore.
The Syrian or Sicilian Papyrus. This is the Papyrus-plant
usual in garden cultivation. The plants in onr Botanic
Garden attain a height of eight feet, but suffer somewhat
from frost. Other tall Cyperi deserve introduction, for
instance C. giganteus, Rottboell, from West India and
Guiana, these kinds of plants being hardier than others from
the tropics.
Cyperus tegetum, Eoxbimgh.
India. This Galingale-rush might be naturalised on river-
banks, to obtain material for the superior mats made of it in
Bengal. The fresh stems are slit longitudinally into three or
four pieces, each of which curls round by exsiccation, and can
then be worked into durable and elegant mats.
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FOR VICTORIAN INDUSTRIAL CULTURE. 67
Cyperus textilis, Thunberg. {Cyperus vaginatus, E. Brown.)
Widely dispersed over tbe Australian continent, but not yet
noticed in Tasmania and New Zealand. I t is restricted to
swampy localities, and thus is not likely to stray into ordinary
fields. I t is onr best indigenous fibre-plant, and it is likewise
valuable as being with ease converted into pulp for good
writing-paper, as shown by me some years ago. Its perennial
growth allows of regular annual cutting. Within Victorian
territory this Galingale-rnsh is particularly common on the
Murray-fiats.
Cytisus scoparius, Link. {Spartium scoparium, Linné.)
The Broomffush. Europe, North Asia. Of less significance
as a broom-plant than as one of medicinal value. I t can
also be used for tanning purposes. Most valuable for arresting
drift-sand. An alkaloid (Spartein) and a yellow dye
(Scoparin) are obtainable from this Broom-bush.
Dacrydium Colensoi, Hooker.
New Zealand. A beautiful tree, growing 50 feet in height
and producing bard and incorruptible timber; chiefly eligible
for our alpine regions.
Dacrydium cupressinum, Solander.
New Zealand. Native name, Eima; the Eed Pine of the
colonists. This stately tree acquires the height of 200 feet,
and furnishes a hard and valuable wood, very lasting for
fences, but readily decaying in waterwoi’ks. Mr. Kirk
recommends the timber on account of its great strength for
girders and heavy beams anywhere under cover. With other
New Zealand conifers particularly eligible for our forest-
valleys. A most suitable tree for cemeteries, on account of
its pendulous branches.
Dacrydium Franklini, Hooker fil.
Huon Pine of Tasmania; only found in moist forest recesses,
and might .be planted in our dense fern-tree gullies. Height
of tree, 100 feet; stem circùmference, 20 feet. The wood is
highly esteemed for ship-building and various artisans’ work.
Dactylis cæspitosa, Eorster. {Poa Forsteri, Steudel.)
Euegia, Falkland’s Island, South Patagonia. The Tussock-
grass. Thrives in cold countries near the sea in pure sand,
at the edge of peat-bogs. I t would likely prosper in our
Alpme moors. I t is perennial, and reaches to a height of
seven feet. I t is very nutritious, and much sought by herds.
The base of the stem is nutty and edible.
Dactylis glomerata, Linné.*
Europe, North Africa, North and Middle Asia. The Cocks-
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