A FINE GRASS SEED EXHIBIT.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1901, 8 November 1913, Page 12

A FINE GRASS SEED EXHIBIT.

Visitors were very much struck by the splendid ex'li.bit of growing grasses made by Messrs. Barraud and Abraham, Ltd.-, at the Manawatu Show. Among the special objects of tlio stand were the specimena of Sandon ryegrass, meadow foxtail, and Boyd's clover In conversation with Mr. Abraham, our representative learned that for a considerable number of years the firm, having the advantage ot dealing with the very best of the growers in tho Sandon district, have been able to conscientiously place the Sandon ryegrass seed with their very large clientelo who entrust their orders to their care, and the results have been so excellent that now "Sandon ryegrass" takes its place alongside the best ryegrasses of New Zealand, and has practically proved itself. In meadow foxtail the firm are great believers. They point out that foxtail is one of the most permanent grasses known, and the earliest to respond to spring weather, besides making fresh growth with the autumn iainß to provide good feed during the winter. In damp land, especially in swamp land, it is most suitable', and therefore most valuable, as it is important to get the suitable grasses for this class of land, otherwifea Yorkshire fog soon takes possession.; The, excellence of tho Danish and Dutch dairying products is no doubt due to the large quantity of meadow foxtail in their pastures, and as Mr. Abraham said, for that reason •alone .the grass might well bo etyled the "Dairy Farmers'. Friend," yet strange, to say it is a grasß that is still neglected by_ the bulk of the farmers of this Dominion.

Boyd's clover is 6plendid in poor country—being a great collector u of nitrogenous bacteria, which enriches the soil, and as could bo seen by a glance at the exhibit it is very valuable for fuel country, as tho plants climb tho ferns and cattle' are attracted to feed through same, and naturally do much good in breaking it up. Messrs. Barraud and Abraham have acquired a reputation throughout the Dominion for the good quality of the Beed they Supply, and the exhibit they made, and the general arrangement of their show stand somehow seemed to prove that, they have the interests of the farmers at heart.