Chap. IX.]
TUSSOCK-GRASS.
271
1842
an amount of nourishment as the Tussock, when thoroughly established; in proof of which I quote Lieutenant Governor Moody's printed report, for the truth of which I can vouch, both from my own experience, and from his having kindly given me ample means for judging of the correctness of his interesting and useful observations.
"During several long rides into the country, I have always found the Tussock flourishing most vigorously in spots exposed to the sea, and on soil unfit for any other plant, viz. the rankest peat bog, black or red. It is wonderful to observe the beaten footpaths of the wild cattle and horses, marked like a foot-track across fields in England, extending for miles over barren moor land, but always terminating in some point or peninsula covered with this favourite fodder, amid which one is almost certain to meet with solitary old bulls, or perhaps a herd of cattle; very likely, a troop of wild horses, just trotting off as they scent the coming stranger from afar. To cultivate the Tussock-grass, I should recommend that its seed be sown in patches, just below the surface of the earth, and at distances of about two feet apart; it must afterwards be weeded out, for it grows very luxuriantly, frequently attaining a height of six or seven feet. It should not be grazed, but cut or reaped in bundles. If cut, it quickly shoots again, but is much injured by grazing; for all animals, especially pigs, tear it up, to get at the sweet nutty-flavoured roots. I have not tried how it
