Part L] Fish Ponds. 29 



seven inches in length. At each joint, and the joints are only 

 a few inches apart, roots are given out from the growing 

 plant, and from these roots new branches of grass are started. 

 This grass also produces thick masses of roots that extend 

 well into the ground ; and on this account it is one of the very 

 best of grasses, when properly grown, to prevent soil erosion 

 on sloping grounds and on steep embankments. It grows best 

 in the sunshine and shows great vitality during periods of 

 drought. It makes good pasture. The horses here at the 

 Hatchery seem to prefer it to any other grass that grows in 

 the vicinity.* It is to be hoped that a hardy variety of this 

 grass may be found for Kansas or that in time this variety 

 may adapt itself to Kansas conditions. During the past winter 

 (1909 and 1910) it killed out badly on the Hatchery grounds. 

 However, it survived in spots, and especially on the south sides 

 of the embankments. The live shoots in sods that were dug 

 up in the spring and transplanted have grown well and the 

 grass has spread very rapidly. In places bunches not more 

 than six inches square have spread until spots five and six 

 feet in diameter are covered with the fine, soft grass. This 

 grass may be started by sowing seed, but those who raise it 

 say that it should be propagated by planting small sods and 

 root cuttings. 



PRIVATE PONDS. 



On many farms and ranches ponds have already been con- 

 structed. If you are contemplating building one it would be 

 advisable to visit some that have already been built. By so 

 doing you can investigate the methods that have been used 

 for dam construction and for handling the water, and can 

 compare them with the possible conditions that you will have 

 to contend with in your own work of pond construction. By 

 talking with the people who have built and who own and have 

 charge of dams and ponds, and so getting their experience, 

 much information might be secured that would be of un- 

 doubted value to you in the construction of the contemplated 

 pond, whether it is to be a natural pond, an artificial pond, or a 

 combination of the two. 



If you are thinking of putting in a dam of any very consid- 

 erable size and extent, or if the conditions are doubtful for 

 one of even moderate size, it would be wise to consult an en- 

 gineer. It would pay to secure the services of an engineer 

 just as it always pays to secure the services of an architect 

 when a house is to be built. The engineer could lay out the 

 pond or ponds for you, giving grades, height and width of dam 

 at various points and water levels; he could tell you how to 

 take care of the water where overflows are to be constructed ; 



^October 21, 1910. — The Bermuda grass on the Hatchery grounds has 

 made a fine growth this season and is still fresh and green, especially 

 where it has been pastured. 



