314 TROPICAL AGRICULTURE 



a height of 2 to 5 feet. In newly planted fields the plants put 

 out horizontal runners which may extend 6 to 8 feet from 

 the parent plants. These runners root at the joints and 

 thus aid the rapid extension of the plant. The stems of 

 Rhodes grass are fine and the quality of hay appears to be 

 excellent. The seed may be sown broadcast or preferably 

 by drill. About 2 pounds of seed are required for an acre. 



Natal red-top {Tricholcena rosea) is an erect, perennial 

 grass with graceful, rose-pink, flowering panicles. When in 

 full flowering it is one of the most beautiful of grass crops. 

 Natal red-top is primarily a hay grass and does not with- 

 stand overgrazing. The grass will reach a height of 2 feet 

 about 3 months from the time of seeding. The young growth 

 is tender but old stems become tough and wiry. Unless the 

 season is unusually dry, from 4 to 6 crops may be expected 

 annually. On the Island of Kauai, Natal red-top has been 

 found to be a very valuable grass when planted together with 

 water grass. 



Water grass {Paspalum dilatatum), a native of tropical 

 America, is one of the most valuable and important grasses 

 in tropical countries. It was introduced from Australia into 

 Hawaii about 30 years ago, where it has become a favorite 

 grazing grass on the cattle ranches. At sea level, especially 

 on the leeward coasts of the islands in the trade-wind belt, 

 water grass makes a good growth only during and following 

 the rainy season. The best results are obtained from this 

 grass in regions where the rainfall ranges from 60 to 120 

 inches annually. As a grazing grass it has given an excel- 

 lent account of itself wherever it has been used. On the 

 Island of Kauai, it has been found that water grass, planted 

 at distances of 6 to 10 feet apart both ways in dense areas of 

 the worthless Hilo grass (P. conjugatum), will crowd out 

 and entirely displace the Hilo grass within 2 or 3 years. 



The seed of the water grass is often of poor quality. In 

 some tests only 25 per cent, or even less is capable of germina- 



