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of the process and the abundant crops it gives. Given a good supply 

 of manure and vegetable refuse, regular cutting and regular manu- 

 ring, Guinea grass will give the largest return of fodder of the most 

 useful kind of grass known in the island, and grass, too, of a kind 

 as suitable for the dray horse, as for his higher classed brother who 

 draws a carriage. 



In wet weather Guinea grass, like all other kinds, contains a large 

 amount of water, and if it is possible, it is better to cut fodder and 

 dry it in the sun as opportunity oifers, rather than feed it to the 

 animals in a watery condition. If weather permits it may be turned 

 into excellent hay which is really capital food, although queer-looking 

 to the eyes of an American or European who has been accustomed to 

 hay from meadow grasses only. This class of hay is used in 

 Jamaica for racing animals. 



Guinea grass should not be allowed to stand long after it flowers 

 as shortly after that period it becomes hard and "boney" and not so 

 useful for the stables : cut, however, just at the flowering period, it is 

 at its prime. 



There is decided prejudice against the use of Guinea Grass for 

 cows in Trinidad, and it is alleged that it shortens the supply of milk. 

 Seeing, however, that many "Pens"'' in Jamaica have to depend upon 

 it alone for dairy purposes, it is not clear how such a prejudice has 

 arisen in Trinidad, and it is highly probable that if more generally 

 ■grown, such ideas would quickly vanish. Guinea grass flourishes best 

 under the shade of the umbrageous Pithecolobium Saman, the '• Zaman" 

 of the mainland, and Avhere new fields are being planted this tree 

 should be put in at distances of 80 to 100 feet apart, as it is evidently 

 the best known for the purpose, and the grass will in dry weather be 

 found to grow better under this tree than anywhere else, and it will 

 grow quite as well near to its trunk as at a distance therefrom. 



There is a larger form of Guinea grass which has coarse and saw- 

 like edges to its leaves known as St. Mary's grass in Jamaica, Avhere 

 the natives describe it as having " plenty of bones" — (i.e.) hard stalks 

 which are not eaten by cattle or horses. This kind should be avoided 

 by the cultivator, for if he gets it for Guinea grass, cultivation will 

 not spread, and no one can wonder why other grasses are preferred, 

 and true Guinea grass gets a bad name. See therefore that the right 

 kind is planted, give it good surface dressings, and it will amply 

 repay any attention that is paid and no better fodder can be found 

 for stable or cattle pen throughout the West Indian islands. + 



'* Cattle Farms, + A late analysis shews its decided superiority over other grasses. 



