48 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDEXCK RFLATING TO THE PAHA GRASS. 



beforehand been well ploughed, with the knot side about | parts 

 in the same, at the distance of 1^ feet asunder ; while after- 

 wards, and until it has arrived at tlie proper height, no other 

 labour is required but weeding-. 



On the Government estate " the Hope," Para grass was 

 cultivated as a trial in low land of black garden soil, and also on 

 higher situated, hilly, very unfertile soil : in the first instance it 

 has grown up into an almost impenetrable mass, which having 

 been cut already several times, has every time, however, pushed 

 up again with renewed vigour; in the other instance it has grown 

 up quite as well, though much later planted ; in both instances, 

 however, without application of artificial irrigation ; while as a 

 particularity of its nature may be mentioned that it will not 

 thrive at all in the shadow of large trees, and but indifferently in 

 very moist places. 



Equally favourable results have been obtained on different 

 other private estates on this island, where the same materials have 

 also been taken, and where, as well as on the Government estate 

 before-named. Para grass for planting can now be had on appli- 

 cation by whoever should desire to occupy himself with the 

 cultivation of the same. 



From whatever side the cultivatioji of Para grass is envisaged, 

 it certainly merits the greatest recommendation. As green food 

 for stock, it retains under the most'severe droughts all favourable 

 properties ; and cut and dried it yields, if not allowed to grow 

 higher up than two feet, an excellent and bj all stock much-liked 

 fodder, which principal quality recommends it far above Guinea 

 grass, which cannot be laid up as hay. Taking further in con- 

 sideration that during the short rainy season, which on these 

 islands seldom lasts longer than three months. Para grass can 

 be cut upwards of two times, then certainly all further recom- 

 mendation of the same becomes superfluous : we consequently 

 beg to conclude this article with calling to the remembrance of 

 the planters that beautiful encomium, " tliat he who raises two 

 stems of grass where formerly but one did grow, becomes a 

 benefactor to mankind." 



(Signed) E, J. Hengakde, A.D.C, 



Curacjoa, IGth April, 1848. Inspector of Agriculture. 



Sir, Horticultural Society, 21, Regent Street, Oct. 28, 1848. 



I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yes- 

 terday, transmitting for the information of the Horticultural 

 Society some enclosures from Colonel Reid concerning the 

 Para grass. The plant itself — Panicum jumentorum, otherwise 



