25 



water grass is abundant while but few of the old stumps of Rhodes 

 grass remain. 



The establishment of a Rhodes-grass pasture depends on good seed, 

 thorough preparation of the land, protection from stock until the 

 grass is well rooted, prevention of overgrazing, and allowing the 

 grass opportunity to recover at certain intervals. It requires the same 

 care as does pili grass. Rhodes grass is giving the best results on 

 Molokai, Lanai, leeward parts of Maui, and of Hawaii. 



The feeding value of Rhodes grass is medium, being superior to 

 Guinea, Natal redtop, and some others, though inferior to water 

 grass, rescue grass, and others, as shown in the table of composition. 

 It is of less value for fattening than for maintenance or growth. 



The seed is worth 30 to 40 cents per pound, and 2 pounds are 

 said to be enough for an acre. The difficulties in obtaining a stand 

 have already been mentioned. Good seed must be secured and 

 planted under good conditions. Broadcasting upon unprepared 

 fields is a waste of time and seed. At the experiment station no 

 dependence is placed on seed, but additional areas are planted by 

 dividing the roots of old plants. Mr. James Munro, of Molokai, is 

 authority for the statement that seed saved when the first leaf below 

 the seed head is yellowing will be good seed. Seed from young 

 plants is better filled out and heavier than that from older plants. 

 Further study of the quality of seed should be made. 



Panicum maximum, Guinea grass (PI. VI, fig. 2), is an African grass, 

 well distributed over the West Indian Islands. It is propagated 

 readily by seed, or by division of the roots (or by transplanting 

 seedlings). It differs from Para grass in its habit of growth and in 

 preferring better drained soils, but, like Para grass, it is used prin- 

 cipally as a soiling crop and makes better yields when well irrigated 

 and fertilized. It has an upright habit of growth and attains a 

 height of 6 to 10 feet. When to be cut up for feed this maximum 

 growth may be allowed, but when fed without running through a 

 feed cutter (particularly to horses) more frequent cutting is preferable, 

 as the grass becomes coarse at the base. The slow growth made 

 during a dry season is tough and unpalatable. It should be cut 

 from four to eight times annually, and should not be allowed to seed, 

 if the best quality of feed is desired. 



Roots or seedlings are planted 2 feet apart in the row, in rows 5 

 feet apart, fertilized and irrigated. Since it is a bunch grass it can 

 not readily be cut with a machine, and is of value only on small areas 

 where hand cutting is economical. It is not recommended in Hawaii 

 as a pasture grass. 



At Princeville plantation, on Kauai, 16 acres of Guinea and 4 acres 

 of Para grasses are required to carry 40 head of mules and horses. 

 The Guinea grass grows slowly during the winter months and the 



