Charlevoix county herald., 1911-10-28

retain 1t for long time. Guinea grass grows to
seven feet and over. The objection to 1t is that
the cattle are apt to eat only about half the lear
from the top leaving the remainder in stool
which has to be cleared at the end Of the season.
On the other hand, it has the advantage over para
of retaining greater vitality during the dry wealth
Guinea and para must be planted. They can
not be with effect, for while they readily dis
semnate themselves the seeds will germinate only
when gathered at perfect maturity.
Savoya is more spreading than guinea grass and
does not grow TO great height 1t stools like
the latter, but not with as much waste. Cattle
must be put to savoya In good season, for they will
not touch it in flower
With these fodder plants the cattle raisers or
Chiriqui obtain good results, the average steer
yielding 400 pounds of meat, but there is doubt
that fattening might be contrived more effective
and economical lines.
Alfalfa should grow vigorously in many parts OF
the province, where the loose sandy character OF
the soil is admirably calculated to promote the
deeprooting habit of the plant. At least two crops
of alfalfa could be secured during the rains and
with irrigation third In the dry season.
With view to the introduction OF alfalfa to
Panama sent, about two years ago, several pack.
ages of selected seed to Chiriqui and the canal
zone but there is every reason to believe that 1t
did not receive proper treatment. and no conclusive
deduction can be drawn from the experiment.
1t would seem that resort should be made to
other forage crops than the grasses. Ii the land
designed for potreros or certain portions OF It.
beans, and other legumnous plants, better results
would doubtless be secured, especially II this food
should be balanced with proper quantity or
starchy matter, such as cassava. Such a regimen
would produce heavier grade Of stock in a short
time than is possible under the present method
of fattening
The by-products of the reduction Of sugar
and cocoanus, bagasse and press cake, respective
ly are excellent fatteners, and under certain cir
cumstances should be plentifully available.
is for mi I'm m N a
breed Of Chiriquian cattle. Blooded stock has been
imported at great expense by few ranch owners,
and many experiments In crossing have been made.
1t cannot be said, however, that satisfactory de-
csion has been reached to 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 threefourths OF II In cutiva-
tion within four years, the same as with land for
crop purposes, yet assurances are given by the
authorities that a literal compliance with the law
will by means be required.
In the 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 purpose
would suffice to insure title. To Illustrate II
entire tract OF 1000 acres were fenced, 1000 acres
turned into potrero, and 1000 acres cleared lor
corrals, home pasture. buildings and other pur-
poses the authorities would deem the intent or the
law to have been amply complied with.
1t may be we'll to warn intending settlers against
taking up land at distance from existing centers
OF habitation or development. The man who should
do will entail upon himself the burden OF
structng a road at considerable expense not to
mention a number Of more less serious inconr
veniences.
There is public land available all along the pro-
posed Panama-Davd railroad line, but the best
lands are In the "Divala country" to the west OF
David.