Transportation of Seeds

Abstract

THE penetration of seeds of the so-called “flechilla” grasses into the flesh of Australian sheep is too well known to squatters. On some “runs” these grasses are so abundant that the annual loss of stock is a very serious matter. The ripe seed falls upon the wool, and, owing to the re-curved barbules with which it is armed, easily penetrates to the skin, when, its point being as sharp as a needle, every movement of the animal tends to drive it into the flesh. I have found the internal organs so crowded with seeds that they felt like a bag of needles if squeezed in the hand.