RAMIE GRASS. 203 



word, I consider it a plant well adapted to the climate of South Caro- 

 lina, if not further North, 



But whether it be desirable to cultivate it for its fibre or not, it 

 proved in Dr, Duncan's hands an admirable forage plant, "none like 

 it," as he says. He informed me that "his cow and horses devoured it 

 with great gusto," passing through good pastures to get to his garden, 

 even breaking down his fences to get at it. He further informs me 

 that it is quite succulent, and wonderfully nutritious, not or/ly fatten 

 ing, but giving to the hair of the animals using it a very smooth and 

 iatin-like appearance. 



This is certainly a plant worthy of exertions being made to introduce 

 into the South. 



Respectfully. S. D. MORGAN. 



It is a plant very susceptible of cultivation by both seeds 

 and suckers. Its growth is rapid, vieing with tropical 

 weeds in luxuriance. It thrives best in a moist climate, 

 but is not very particular as to soils. In Jamaica it grew 

 six and a half feet in fourteen days, according to the au- 

 thority of Mr. Simmonds, of the "Technologist." It was 

 brought into Calcutta from Bencoolen in 1803, and there 

 cultivated in the Botanic Gardens for some years until he 

 disseminated it. The seeds are sown on a light sandy soil, 

 it being thoroughly pulverised first, and not covered at 

 all except by the soil with x which they are mixed be- 

 fore sowing. The beds must be watered until ger- 

 mination takes place. When the plants are four inches 

 high, they must be transplanted into rows three feet wide and 

 six inches apart. The soil may be any rich, stiff kind of 

 land. This plan is for getting a start when the seeds are 

 scarce. The roots will soon throw up numerous suckers 

 that may be drawn and set like sweet potato slips. How- 

 ever, after the seeds are secured by the farmer, he can sow 

 in rows very lightly, and chop across with a hoe to give 

 the plants room to spread. 



The proper time to sow is as early as the land can be 

 prepared. It will be ready to cut in June, and, if desired, 

 can be again and again cut until frost begins. In the last 

 cutting the soil should be thrown over the stubble to pro- 



