NAPIER'S FODDER OR ELEPHANT GRASS.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 7 June 1916, Page 2

NAPIER'S FODDER OR ELEPHANT GRASS.

Sir, Ihe severe drought thr<jtigli which we have passed lias very forcibly i eminded Us of the uroat value of prolific and drought resistant fodder plants, and the above variety is highly eulogised by South African authorities. In its native habitat, Central Africa.' it attains the height of 16 feet. AVith me last season it reached 10 feet and produced a arge quantity of dark green, succulent and nutritious fodder, which, according to analysis, ie much richer than green maize Its cultivation in Rhodesia, feouth Africa, which is a great cattle country, although a large area oi it consists of i pour, sandy soil, with a light rainfall, is now making rapid strides, and a Government official there Bays: ''There is a consensus of opinion that in this piant we have found a. t'oddier of great value which is available in green ronn during the gi eater part of the year and thrives well in a variety of soiis and resists lemarkably botjh irost and. drought. It appears probable that there s::ou will be but few farms on wTlicli this' pi omifiing plant wiil not be giown. At 7ft hight it produced 12 tons of green fodder per .acre, and few months later lo toils, molting a total yield ot 2< tons per acre. It is everlasting when once established and the tufts or clumps increase quickly in size after being cut or grazed. Tliis plant should not be confused with Soudan grass which is an annual variety. Elephant grass should prove a great boon in the back country or in poor eoils, or sem-aridl localities,—l am, etc.. B. HARRISON, F.R.H.S. Burringbar P. 0., W.S.W., 27.5.16.