109 



168.-GARDEN SEATS. 



For the comfort of visitors to the Gardens there has been 

 imported a large consignment of garden seats (40) the ironwork for 

 which was supplied by an English firm. The seats are of several 

 patterns and were placed in position in the Gardens in the months of 

 May and June, 1895. 



159.— A FODDER GRASS.— Pennisetum orientate, Rich. 

 ( Pennisetum trijlorum Nees). 



This grass was introduced from the Himalayas to the Jamaica 

 Gardens about the year 1884, and in compiling the Annual Report of 

 the Jamaica Department for 1886, while in charge as Acting Director, 

 I mentioned it as " likely to prove an introduction of no little value 

 to proprietors of mountain estates." During 1886 seed was distri- 

 buted to various gardens, and from this distribution the late Mr. 

 John Gray who was in charge of the St. Lucia Gardens at the time, 

 succeeded in raising numerous plants. Ascertaining from Mr. Gray 

 that the plant was thriving in St. Lucia, I asked for seeds, and these 

 proving fully fertile, afforded us a fine set of plants. These have now 

 been tested for several years in our experimental grounds, and have 

 shewn, that not only is the grass suited for hill cultivation, but that 

 it thrives well on the plains, and produces large quantities of fodder. 

 It can be readily propagated by division of the stools, as Avell as by 

 seed, and stands cutting frequently. It is not thought likely that it 

 will become useful as a pasture grass, but as a cultivated fodder it 

 will possibly prove equal to if not superior, to '' Guinea grass" — 

 Panicum maximum — especially in soils where the latter is not found 

 to thrive. 



There is no difficulty in propagating it by seed, if the latter is 

 carefully sown as soon as ripe, but if the seed is taken before being 

 mature or after it has ripened for some weeks, there will of course be 

 difficulty in getting it to grow. 



160.-" TABASHBER." 



Mineral deposits in wood were mentioned in No. 6 of our first 

 series of the Bulletin. The specimen found at tliat time was taken 

 from fissures in the Avood of Illeronyma alchorneoides or the 

 '' Tapana" tree of the Trinidad woods. It was analysed by Professor 



