126 TiMEHRI. 



and I wished there were hundreds of acres on which to rest 

 the eye. We went a little distance into the forest, which 

 rose high up behind, and considered it a pity that such 

 apparently fertile lands, with such beautiful slopes and 

 risings, should remain covered with bush instead of pasture 

 for flocks and herds. I made enquiry as to whom these 

 lands belonged, and was told they were Crown lands 

 which the Government will not sell. This I consider 

 wrong, and suggest that the Government appoint a 

 Committee of expert planters, with Professor HARRI- 

 SON, Messrs. Jenman and QUELCH, to explore the 

 country near Kalacoon, especially its back lands^ to 

 a point on the Essequebo above Bartica, examine the 

 soil as to its suitability for cultivation and pasturage, and 

 find out what sort of grasses and vegetables could 

 flourish there. If it is suitable for cultivation and pas- 

 turage, select a good spot to establish a Government 

 Model Farm, utilize convict labour to clear the site 

 of its forest, reserving a few trees for shade and orna- 

 mentation, and plant several acres of a few good species 

 of grasses and perhaps Alfalfa. Two grasses are known 

 by Professor Harrison to flourish in Barbados, viz : — 

 the sour grass, or as it is sometimes called Barbados hay, 

 and the Guinea grass. Nurseries, from which a supply can 

 be obtained for planting on other farms could be made, for 

 both these grasses are excellent fodder, and cattle 

 flourish on them. I am of opinion that the sour grass 

 can find a place in the market to compete with hay, as it 

 is eaten as readily (when carefully dried) as the best hay 

 which commands so easy a sale ; it is considered an 

 excellent flesh-former, and will grow here, as I have seen 

 it in a gentleman's garden. He grew a beautiful tuft in 



