76 crops 



When fully ripe the rind becomes hard and the fruits keep 

 well for a long time. 



RIBBED-GOURD. 



{Luffa acutangula.) 



Tamil Peerkan. 



Telugu Beera. 



The fruit is very largely used in curries, when it is about 

 half -mature and it is considered to be one of the best of the 

 indigenous vegetable plants. The fruits grow to about one 

 foot and have sharp ridges externally. It is cultivated all 

 over India. 



LOOFAH. 

 {Luffa aegyptiaca.) 



Tamil Norai Peerkan. 



Telugu ... Gutti beera or 



Nuna beera. 



Though not a native of India, it is widely cultivated and 

 has become naturalized. This differs from the ribbed-gourd 

 in not having the sharp ridges, but in other respects both 

 are similar. The net work of vascular bundles forming the 

 frame work of the pericarp in the fruits of this and the 

 ribbed-gourd forms the loofah of commerce. 



GUINEA GRASS. 



{Panicum maximum.) 



A fodder crop which has been introduced successfully in 

 parts of Madras. The crop is usually propagated by portions 

 separated from the root stocks, which become overgrown and 

 need division. The roots should be set out evenly in rows 

 running in both directions spaced 3' X 3' or 2' X 2' to ensure 

 through inter-cultivation. The plant needs copious irrigation 

 and liberal manuring ; it is quick growing and ordinarily 

 eight cuttings can be had in a year. 500 slips weigh 40 lb. 

 and fill one gunny bag. 



Yield -25,000 to 40,000 lb. of green fodder per acre per 

 annum in 8 cuttings. 



LUCERNE. 



(Medicago satlva.) 

 An excellent fodder, but difficult to grow extensively. 

 Has yielded at Coimbatore 15,000 lb. an acre in a year. 



