394 
Guinea Grass , so called from its having been originally introduced into 
the West Indies from the coast of Africa, is a species of Holcus , according 
to Browne,* The characters of it, he says, however agree pretty well with 
those of Panicum, in general, but the flowers commonly grow very luxuriant, 
and though often hermaphrodite, are generally observed to be male and female 
distinct, surrounded by separate involucres, and standing on distinct pedicles 
within the same calyx. 
The blades of this grass, when flourishing, appear not unlike those of 
Wheat, only rather broader and longer; and the stalks, during the first 
growth, are also much like those of Wheat, but they get weaker and less, 
the oftener the grass is fed upon or cut, till at last it becomes a fine, rich 
and entire swath. 
Guinea Grass appears capable of thriving in any situation, in respect to 
climate and soil, and can bear the effects of dry or wet weather in a most 
remarkable manner. 
In wet weather it may be cut once in a fortnight, and sometimes oftener, 
when the land is.new or fertile. In dry weather, it is long before it withers, 
and when reduced to such a state as to seem totally destroyed, will revive 
with a slight shower in a few hours: when rain falls, though so sparingly as 
to be of little or no service to common pastures, it will occasion this to be 
fit for use in a few weeks; nay in some situations, not too much exposed to 
the sun, it will flourish from occasional dews only. When ready to feed, it 
is from eight to six feet high, but it is generally fed or cut when only three 
or four. 
It agrees with all kinds of stock; and horses, mules, and kine, will fatten 
so fast upon it, that the two former will be in good condition in a couple of 
months, or less: and the latter will become fit for the butcher in the course 
of three months, f 
Guinea Grass is said to have been brought from Africa to America by 
the English at the beginning of the present century; and the French have 
introduced it thence into St. Domingo, &c. about the year 1768 . It has 
made its way in the Continent of North America from Carolina to New 
England; and attempts have been made to introduce it into Europe. In 
* Jamica, p. 3 60. Species 2 . 
t Spooner in Bath Papers, Yol. Y. 382. 
