590 SELECTED FODDER GRASSES 



Panicum spectabile. " African Wonder Grass;" " Capim-de-Angola." 

 A valuable fodder plant, long established in Brazil and other parts of tropical 

 America, supposed to have been first introduced from the west coast of Africa. 

 It is distinguished by long broad leaves, softly bearded nodes, and grows 5 to 

 6 feet in height. Readily propagated by division ; prefers moist situations and 

 spreads rapidly when once established. 



Paspalum dilatatum, known as the Hairy -flowered Paspalum, Golden- 

 crown, etc. A useful perennial grass, indigenous to South America, introduced 

 into Australia some years ago and into India and Ceylon about 1900; much re- 

 lished by cattle. Suited only to the higher elevations, say, 3,000 to 6,000 feet. 

 Flourishes in any good soil, and is estimated to yield 10 tons or more of green 

 forage per acre. Excellent for binding railway banks and for similar purposes. 

 It has a tendency to grow in clumps, attains a height of from 18 to 24 inches, 

 and is easily propagated by roots, cuttings, or seed. 



Setaria imberbris. A tall grass of East Africa, where it is considered 

 a good forage plant. 



Setaria verticillata. A perennial grass found in abundance in some 

 of the hot and dry districts of Ceylon ; also in East Africa, where it is con- 

 sidered a good forage plant when young. The grass is remarkable for its 

 power of resisting severe droughts. 



Sorghum vulgare (=Audt'opogon sorghum). Guinea-corn, the Indian or 

 Great millet. A tall handsome grass, extensively cultivated in India and other 

 tropical countries, chiefly for its grain. Some varieties are specially grown for 

 green forage, being cut when two-thirds grown. There are several varieties, 

 some producing in four cuttings from 20 to 30 tons per acre. 



Sporobolus indicus. A perennial grass, 2 to 3 feet high, common 

 throughout Ceylon and other tropical countries. Grows luxuriantly on thin 

 soil, and in the young state affords good forage. 



Stenotaphrum complanatum. A semi-creeping leafy grass, 1 to U ft. 

 high, with smooth glabrous leaves. Thrives best on moist banks or under the 

 partial shade of trees. 



Tricholaena rosea. Natal red-top Grass. An elegant perennial grass, 

 H to 2 ft. high, with pinkish flowering panicles, introduced from Natal, where 

 it is much valued for fodder as well as for pasture. Thrives at medium and 

 high elevations. 



Zea Mays. Maize ; Indian-corn ; " Bada-iringu," S. This quick-grow- 

 ing crop, though usually cultivated for its grain, is sometimes used for green 

 forage, being cut when about two-thirds grown. It is a most productive crop, 

 a well-cultivated patch being known to produce about 60 tons of green fodder 

 per acre. 



OTHER FODDER PLANTS 



For feeding, dairying, or fattening purposes it is desirable to 

 vary the grass diet of cattle by mixing with it other nourishing 

 herbage in suitable combination. The following plants, though 



