17 



paddock of 450 acres 500 head were carried for one year, then 180 

 head for 10 months, then after 2 months 100 head were turned in. 

 More were added until full capacity was reached. The carrying 

 capacity varies with age and amount of growth of the grasses when 

 the cattle are turned in, and also with precipitation. 



To sum up, water grass is one of the best grasses introduced into 

 Hawaii. It is valued (1) for its ability to grow under varied con- 

 ditions of soil, moisture, or elevation; (2) it is easy to establish from 

 seed or by division of the roots; (3) for its drought resistance; (4) 

 for its persistence — its ability to survive overstocking; (5) for its 

 palatability and nutritive properties; and (6) for the large amount of 

 feed it produces and because it seeds freely. 



Paspalum virgatum is closely related to the preceding and of about 

 equal value. It has been tried on Maui, and more extensively on 

 Kauai, where it has been planted over a 500-acre paddock (on Prince- 

 ville plantation) in a mixture with P. dilatatum and P. compression. 

 The seed is high in price, but as the plant seeds profusely, the area 

 could be rapidly extended from a small first planting. The seeds 

 have great vitality and will remain in the soil until the conditions 

 for germination are favorable. 



This grass is vigorous in its growth, holding its own against native 

 or Hilo grasses. Whether it will be as persistent as P. dilatatum 

 under conditions of* overstocking or during long periods of drought 

 is not definitely known. It is more erect in growth than the other 

 species and is therefore a better forage or soiling grass. Several 

 cuttings annually may be made if moisture conditions are always 

 favorable. The grass may be propagated by root division. 



Paspalum compressum, now known as Axonopus compressus, Lou- 

 isiana, carpet, or Gazon grass, is quite common in the South, and is 

 considered valuable, especially on poor lands. It is creeping in its 

 habit of growth, making a fair lawn if kept closely clipped, but is of 

 no value for hay. It thrives better in moist situations and suffers 

 from continued drought. It is relished by all kinds of stock and 

 stands grazing and tramping well. It spreads by runners and by 

 seed, and under moist conditions will crowd out many other grasses. 

 In southwest Texas it is said to have revolutionized the stock industry. 



In Hawaii the grass is favorably reported from Princeville planta- 

 tion, Kauai. There it crowds out Hilo grass, pilipiliula, and all 

 weeds, and grasses except P. dilatatum and P. virgatum. It becomes 

 dormant in dry weather, but starts up with the first rains. It was 

 kept closely grazed, but survived and started up well when the cattle 

 were taken off. The seeds, it was thought, were scattered by rice 

 birds, as plants were found 2 miles from the original planting. Like 

 the two preceding species, some time and much moisture are required 



