The Elbert County tribune., 1911-10-06
Ae c0D2yZ9Y ~ GzueQLu (0os

retain 1t for long time. Guinea grass grows II
feet and over. The objection to 1t is tina
the cattle are apt TO eat only about half the lea
from the top, leaving the remainder in
which has to be cleared at the end of the
On the other hand. II has the advantage par,
OF retaining greater vitality during the dry wealth
er. Guinea and para must be planted. They can
not be sown with effect for while they readily dis
seminate themselves the seeds will germinate only
when gathered at perfect maturity.
Savoya is more spreading than guinea grass ant
does not grow to as great height II stools like
the latter. but not with much waste. Cattl,
must be put to savoya in good season. for they viii
not touch 1t In flower
With these fodder plants the cattle raisers o.
Chiriqui obtain good results the average stee.
yielding 400 pounds of meat but there is no doub
that fattening might be contrived more effectv.
and economical lines.
Alfalfa should grow vigorously in many parts O
the province, where the loose sandy character o.
the soil is admirably calculated promote the
deep-rooting habit Of the plant At least crop,
of alfalfa could be secured during the rains anc
with irrigation third in the dry season
With a view to the Introduction of alfalfa te
Panama sent about two years ago. several pack
ages of selected seed to Chiriqui and the cana
zone but there is every reason to believe that II
did not receive proper treatment and conclusive
deduction can be drawn from the experiment
1t would seem that resort should be made te
other forage crops than the grasses. If the lane
designed for potreros, certain portions of 1t
were plowed over and in cowpeas velve,
beans. and other leguminous plants better results
would doubtless be secured especially If this fooc
should be balanced with a proper quantity OF
starchy matter. such cassava. Such a regimen
would produce heavier grade of stock in a short
er time than is possible under the present methoc
OF fattening.
The by-products of the reduction of sugar can,
and cocoanuts. bagasse and press cake, respective
ly, excellent fatteners, and under certain cir
cumstances should be plentifuy available
There is room for much improvement in the
breed of Chiriquian cattle Blooded stock has beer
imported at great expense by few ranch owners
and many experiments in crossing have been made
1t cannot be said. however, that a satisfactory de
cision has been reached the strain best adapt
ed to the climate and conditions OF the country
Although the purchaser of land for stock raising
is required to have three-fourths of 1t in cultiva
ton within four years. the same as with Iund TO,
crop purposes, yet assurances given by the
authorities that literal compliance with the Law
will by no means be required.
In the case of cattle land any degree of improve
ment that should indicate the intention OF the
holder of the land to put 1t to the declared
would suffice to insure title To illustrate II ar
entire tract of 1000 were fenced 1000 acret
turned into potrero and 1000 acres cleared fol
corrals home pasture buildings and other pur
poses. the authorities would deem the intent OF the
law to have been amply complied with.
It may be well to intending settlers against
taking up land at distance from existing centers
of habitation or development. The man who should
do SO will entail upon himself the burden of con.
structing road at considerable expense not ia
mention number OF more less serious incon.
venieuces
There is public land available all along the pro
posed Panama-David railroad line but the best
lands are in the "Divala country" to the west of
David