Ferdinand von Mueller

1

Letter not found. The text given here is from 'Native grass', Riverine herald (Echuca, Vic), 24 August 1876, p. 2 (B76.08.04). It is introduced by

The Benalla paper refers to a particular kind of native grass, which Mr. McBurney has found upon the farmers' lands on the Broken River. It grows most rapidly in the hottest weather when other grasses are burnt up, and all kinds of stock eat it with avidity. Specimens of the plant were forwarded to Baron Von Mueller, the Government Botanist, who sends the following particulars respecting it :-

The Benalla paper was the North Eastern ensign (see Leader (Melbourne), 2 September 1876, p. 6 where the letter extract is also printed), but the issues for 1876 have not been found. The Leader article also includes additional details of McBurney's report on the grass.

The grass is Willdenow's

Andropogon Pertusus

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, which extends through tropical Australia, and South Asia. Its existence as far south as Benalla, was not known until Mr. Nixon a few years ago sent this grass to me. As both Mr. Nixon and yourself regard it as a valuable grass for fodder in dry country, you night draw attention to it through the local press. This proves also, that not all the rare plants of your district are known, the geographic record of which would be important. If you feel interested in collecting them do not exclude minute annual herbs, such as spring up after the winter rains and dry up before the summer. Minute water-weeds need attention also.