41 



observed. If only one grass or a mixture is used, no plat subdivisions 

 are necessary. 



The cheapest plan, but hardly the most economical, is to plant 

 without any preparation. The seed may be scattered broadcast 

 from the saddle, and in this way the most inaccessible parts of the 

 paddocks will receive seed. For many range grasses this method is 

 fairly efficient, but for others some preparation of soil is preferred. 

 Some seeds are able to bury themselves, while others require shallow 

 covering by hand or tool or by heavy downpours of rain. With 

 expensive seed it is always better to prepare the soil and lightly 

 cover the seed. 



Extension of plantings of grasses may be accomplished by graz- 

 ing the stock upon them when full of ripe seed and allowing the ani- 

 mals to roam over various paddocks. According to Munro 1 the 

 seeds of some grasses, particularly those of Paspalum dilatatum, are 

 improved in germinating quality by passing through animals. 



Mixtures of grass seeds are desirable. Some root more deeply 

 than others, and thus draw upon different portions of the soil. Some 

 spring up more quickly after rains, or with less rain. Some endure 

 under wet or dry conditions longer than others. Some are less pal- 

 atable than others, and are eaten when the better ones are gone. 

 Many annuals thrive with perennials, and many legumes with the 

 grasses. 



With such grasses as manienie, buffalo grass, or Para grass the only 

 quick method of seeding is to use portions of the ruiming stems. 

 Many other grasses, such as Guinea grass, Rhodes grass, and Pas- 

 palum dilatatum, are more surely propagated by planting out divi- 

 sions of the roots. 



With seed that is scarce and high in price it will often prove more 

 economical to plant the seed in beds, giving irrigation as needed, 

 transplanting the seedlings to the large fields during a rainy period, 

 keeping all stock fenced out until the plants are firmly rooted. 



MANAGEMENT OF RANGE LANDS. 



On this subject no formulas can be given which will apply to all 

 the ranch land in Hawaii, because of variations in conditions and the 

 nature of the forage plants. Most paddocks are benefited by resting 

 for a given period annually. Kentucky blue grass pastures fail in 

 dry weather and have to be rested. Annual grasses and weeds grow 

 for a comparatively short season. 2 It is important to remember 

 that unless new seeds are formed such pastures may be ruined. 

 Overstocking results in the disappearance of valuable grasses and 



i Hawaii. Forester and Agr., 4 (1907), p. 247. 



8 Plate IX, figure 2, shows a rocky pasture in which annual weeds and grasses only are found, 

 are large areas of such lands in Hawaii. 



There 



