GRASSES. 287 



Up to 200 stems have been counted on one plant, and, as 

 this strong tendency to stool is more apparent after the first 

 cutting, the hay of the aftermath is less coarse than that of the 

 first cutting. 



Several indigenous grass sorghums {wilde soetriet) are 

 found in the Union. 



Adaptations. — It is adapted to the same general condi- 

 tions as sorghums, and is one of the most drought-resistant 

 hay crops. Like other sorghums, it will stand semi-dormant 

 during severe dry spells, but renews its growfh vigorously when 

 conditions improve, a distinct advantage over the millets. 



It will do well on a variety of soils, preferably a rich loam. 



Soil Treatment. — This should be the same as described 

 for sorghums. 



Planting. — It can be planted from October to January 

 31st in most parts of South Africa. November to December, 

 however, are probably the best months. The seed should be 

 buried one to two inches in ordinary soils. 



For hay, the ordinary drill for small seeds may be used, 

 taking 10 to 15 pounds, or it may be broadcasted at the rate 

 of 15 to 20 pounds per acre. 



For seed and for hay in the drier parts it is better to plant 

 in 3-feet rows, using 3 to 5 pounds of seed per acre. This 

 allows the crop to adjust itself to the moisture conditions. 



If planted early, the first crop may be cut for hay, and 

 the aftermath allowed to mature seed. 



Harvesting.— (1) For Hay.— Little difficulty is experi- 

 enced in drying out or curing. An ordinary mower can be 

 used. In good weather it can be mowed one day, raked the 

 next, cocked the following, and stacked a day or two after the 

 last operation. It should be cut when in full bloom. If the 

 aftermath is to be left to mature seed, the crop for hay should 

 be cut soon after flowering has commenced. Planted at the 

 beginning of November at Potchefstroom, the crop had grown 

 sufficiently to give a heavy yield of hay early in January. 



If the crop is to be used for hay only, it can be allowed to 

 grow for a considerable time after flowering, as, unlike most 

 grasses, it continues to produce fresh shoots, so that, while 

 some of the stems may become somewhat fibrous, this is 

 counteracted by the addition of the fine young stems. 



