The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-12-08
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FOR THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
Guinea Grass,

For many years, throughout the Southern
States, pressing want has been felt of some
good grass to furnish hay and pasturage.-
Millions of money are paid out for hay
which ought to be made at home, and thus
save that large expenditure which goes so
fer to impoverlsh the Southern planter, and
enrich the Northern farmer Several years
ago | called attention to the value of Guinea
grass for meeting this want, and stated that
if on further trial it should prove equal to
the more limited trials which had been made,
it would go far towards making Florida lands
equal to the best of the more Northern
States for grazing purposes. Since that
opinion was given, increased attention has
been turned to the article so highly recon-
mended, and the result is that all that was
said has been verified, and more than verified
by many proofs.
This grass, as its name imports, was
brought from the coast of Guinea. Il was
first planted on the island Of Jamaica, and
was so highly valued that in few years it
was spread over large space of that island
Continuing to grow through the whole year,
in that warm latitude, it was used almost en-.
tirely, in it's green state, either for pastur
age, or cutting and feeding green. For both
these purposes it was found to be all that
could be reasonably asked, and thousands of
cattle are now feeding upon it, and keep fat
the whole year. In the southern part of
Florida it is but slightly checked in the win
ter months, and in mild winters remains green
and is pastured during the whole year
When allowed to attain it's full growth, il
reaches height above q mans head. IL is
not permitted to attain this height unless it
is desired to obtain seed. For pasturage or
green feed, it is taken at height of about
two feet. The stock is then tender and full
Of sweet juice, of which stock Of all kinds are
exceedingly fond. If pas,urcd 1t forms a
thick mass of tender, juicy grass, furnishing
a large amount of rich grazing. If cut for
hay it can be cured in the ordinary manner,
and makes an excellent article. For hay or
green feeding four crops are usually cut in a
year. The yield from good ground is about
equal to the best yield Of timothy and clover,
and as it turns out four crops per year, il,
may be readily seen how valuable it must be
to the South, 80 deficient in native grasses
This grass ia best propagated by setting
out the roots. The seed drop so easily when
fully matured, that it is difficult to save them
and they are often taken before maturity.
This makes it better to propagate by the
roots, which is easily done. The roots grow
in lunches which are easily separated, like
some varieties of the onion The rows are
laid off about eighteen inches apart. In
these rows the separate plants are set at the
distance of about ten inches apart These
roots readily grow of, and in short time
occupy the whole ground. In middle and
south Florida where we have only light
frosts, and often none, this grass is taking
finely, and in few years will change the oc,
cupation of a large part of our people, and
make our country one of the most delightful
and independent in the land. Such a grass
with our other rich market crops and lovely
climate, will place our State in the front
rank for wealth and all that wealth brings
FLORIDA.