H3 



Ficus elastica. Thus we see that this plantation is in reality experi- 

 mental. This plantation is situated in Mergui the southernmost 

 district of Burma where the climate resembles that of the Federated 

 Malay States. Further North the climate is totally different with a 

 dry season of 6 months. The value of exports of forest produce 

 amounted to about 44^ million rupees, lac contained to be the most 

 important article of export which is I think, surprising. Teak comes 

 next in export value. 



A. M. BURN-MURDOCH, 



Conservator of Forests, F. M. S, and S. S. 



PASPALUM DILATATUM. 



Large Water Grass. 



An article appears on this fodder-grass in the Kew Bulletin No. 1, 

 1902, (published in April, 1906). This valuable fodder-grass is a 

 native of Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. It is widely distributed 

 over the Gulf States of North America and was introduced by 

 Baron von Mueller into Australia in 1892. It has since spread over 

 the country and is considered one of the best fodder-grasses in 

 Australia. Later it was sent to India where it has done well in 

 parts. It is also cultivated in Natal and New Zealand. It is found 

 also as a weed of cultivation in Porto Rico, Mauritius and the Straits 

 Settlements according to the editor of the Kew Bulletin, but I can- 

 not say I ever met with it in the Straits Settlements, before its 

 introduction a few years ago. 



Seed was obtained on several occasions at the Singapore Botanic 

 Gardens but failed to germinate ; Mr. ARDE"N however, was more 

 lucky in the Experimental Station at Batu Tiga and succeeded in 

 introducing the plant which grew luxuriantly on the clay banks of 

 that Garden. Plants were brought thence to the Botanic Gardens 

 at Singapore and eventually established there. An attempt was 

 made to combat Lalang with it but with no great success, probably 

 under other circumstances it might be effective. 



In Singapore it grows fast and well, forming large clumps very 

 soon. 



The peculiar thing about it is that it seems to thrive under the 

 most diverse conditions. It is valued in Australia for its drought 

 resisting powers. It thrives best in rich moist soil, and in West 

 Australia it flourishes on poor mountain soil. It stands frost if not 

 continuous well, and is equally happy in the damp hot region of 

 the Malay Peninsula. It will stand sandy soils, even with a con- 

 siderable proportion of salt. It will grow well in our alluvial flats 

 and on the yellow clay so common over large areas of the Peninsula. 



As a pasture grass it has a great reputation. " There is no part 

 of it from the crown to the head that stock will not eat". It has 

 great milk producing properties. Its analysis compares very 



