632 



THE FARMERS HANDBOOK. 



considerably, a single cutting producing forty or fifty stalks in a single 

 season. As a consequence, it has produced at Cowra Experiment Farm a 

 greater yield for the season than any other grass tried. 



That this grass will stand a considerable amount of drought has been 

 proved beyond all doubt at Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Cowra Experi- 

 ment Farm, and in other localities. Hardly a plant was lost at the College 



The same plot as that shown on page 631— after being eaten off. 



during the' great drought, and comparatively few were lost at Cowra during 

 the same period. What Elephant grass will not endure are the hot winds 

 and the extremely hot surface of the red soil plains in the summer months, 

 and it is hardly worth growing west of Narromine. 



Elephant grass responds to a good rainfall, the conditions most favourable 

 to it being those of the northern rivers, but it does not like cold, swampy 

 subsoils. 



Paiatability and Feeding Value. 



The appearance of Elephant grass is extremely deceptive. At first sight it 

 looks unpalatable, but that it is not so is proved by official investigations 

 under various conditions, and also by the numerous reports submitted by 

 farmers. Elephant grass is not as palatable as many other well-known grasses, 

 but that cattle will eat it and do well on it is beyond question. Its paiata- 

 bility appears to be greatest in its young, more succulent stages. When it 

 reaches a height of 7 feet or over its moodiness is against it, though even 

 under these conditions the softer ends of the stalks and leaves are readily 

 eaten. Sheep appear to like the grass least of all when other grasses are 

 about, but they will eat it and thrive on it when other feed is not abundant. 

 This has been the experience at Cowra Experiment Farm. The illustrations 

 showing the grass at Hawkesbury Agricultural College before stocking and 

 after stocking speak for themselves. 



