6 



3891). It germinated fairly well and grew slowly during tlie hot, dry months 

 of July and August. On the 30th of October the grass had reached a height of 

 4 to 5 feet, a luxuriant mass of long, soft, and flexible basal leaves, but with no 

 sign of flowering culms. The foliage was killed by the early November frosts, 

 but it is hoped that the roots will survive the winter and establish a permanent 

 plat. 



Dr. J. F. de Assis-Brasil in his work, "Cultura dos Campos," 



speaks of it as follows : 



It reproduces itself readily both by seeds and creeping rhizomes. The stem 

 grows to the height of 12 feet at the time of flowering. As the stems are at that 

 time rather hard, it is best to pasture the meadows occasionally in order to keep 

 down the flowering stalks. An analysis made by Dr. Trovassos indicates a 

 higher percentage of protein and carbohydrates than in the best leguminous 

 plants, but for the purposes of this note it is sufiBcient to say that this indigenous 

 grass produces an extremely rich forage. 



This grass may prove of great value in the South and Southwest. 



Louisiana grass, carpet grass {Paspahmi compressum Nees.).— One plat was 

 sown May 23 with seed purchased by the Division in 1899 and presumably of the 

 crop of that year. At the end of seven weeks, or by the middle of July, it had 

 just begun to germinate. A second plat was sown on the 2d of June with seed 

 secured in 1898. By the middle of July this presented a close, even growth 

 about 2 inches in height, and this lead over the first plat was maintained 

 throughout the season. In the middle of October the grass on both plats was 

 about a foot high and both were in flower. A firm turf had been formed by 

 the creeping stems, and the foliage on the erect culms was healthy and abundant. 



Both plats were situated on rather low ground where the water stood longest 

 after rains. In the South where this grass is native it grows abundantly on open 

 hillsides in the pine barrens as well as in the lower and more shaded lands along 

 the creeks and branches. It is valuable for lawns, and especially so for pastures. 



G-rapevine mesquite {Panicum obtusum H. B. K.).— Two plats were planted 

 June 7. The seed did not germinate until late in July, when a thin stand ap- 

 peared. During the rest of the season the growth was vigorous, the erect shoots 

 reaching a height of 18 inches and producing considerable foliage. The stolons, 

 or runners, were very abundant and extended from 5 to 6 feet in every direc- 

 tion, binding the soil very closely. The foliage was killed by frosts early in 

 November. 



It is native of the Southwest, extending into Mexico, and is worthy of experi- 

 ment in those regions. A plat of this grass in the garden on the Department 

 grounds has persisted for five years resisting the cold winters and making a good 

 growth each summer. 



Mitchell grass {Astrebla pectinata F. v. Muell.).— One plat was planted May 

 26 with seed received from Prof. J. H. Maiden, Queensland, Australia. It ger- 

 minated readily and a fair stand was obtained. By the middle of July the strong, 

 leafy plants were 12 to 15 inches high and the first heads were appearing. Two 

 weeks later foimd the height increased to 2 to 2i feet, and some of the seed was 

 ripe. Production of seed continued throughout the season, the last being 

 gathered October 20, at which time the plants were about 3 feet high and the 

 foliage very abundant. Frosts in early November killed the foliage. 



This grass is very highly regarded as a hay and forage plant on the interior 

 plains of Australia. It is very productive, and the strong root system enables it 

 to withstand long periods of dry weather ; so that it should be of value in our 

 Southwestern States. It should be noticed that most of the growth was made 

 during July and August, which were exceedingly dry and hot months. 



