WINTER SCHOOL.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 May 1922, Page 1

WINTER SCHOOL.

PASTURE GRASSES. (Lecture by Mr N. P, Neal), In any locality lint! especially the West Coast before ally pasture problems can he investigated, it is absolutely essential that something he known of the characteristics of the different grasses that may he used. Some grasses are early, some mid-sea-

son and others late. Again some tiro “top” grasses, while some lire “bottom” grasses. Some give a largo hulk of feed and others little. The palatabilitiex 100, vary considerably. Others are quite temporary and sonic permanent. The following brief notes briefly indicate the varying qualities of the common grasses.

Perennial Rye.—As its name implies, is a perennial, i.e. lasts for several years, ft will grow oil any ..lass ol soil, hut becomes temporary on light dry land. When tramped by stock gives rise to a new plant, and is therefore" a, true bottom grass. In this re-

spect one of the most useful. Rooting is shallow. Thus it is soon burnt up on dry periods, hut soon recovers if not too far gone. It is a midseasou grass, hut gives late and winter feed. Its palatahility is of the highest order, and quite good in quality.

Italian Rye.—Tin’s grass possesses much the same characters as perennial rve, except that it lasts only tor one venr. It is not suitable for inclusion in permanent mixtures, except a little is sometimes included to give a quick growth. Western IVoily grass is another name for the same grass.

Cocksfoot. —Permanent habit under all conditions of soil and climate, hut does not stand as well ns percninl rye in swampy lands. Upright growth and an excellent top grass. Gives no iced in winter and is a midseasou grass. In a" good season will give late feeding. Although a coarse grass Cocksfoot is extremely palatable and is one ot our most valuable grasses. Cockstoot usually takes about tnroe years to become established. Tn all permanent mixtures about HI per cent should always be included. Meadow Fescue and Tall Fescue. — Those two grasses possess somewhat similar characters, robust growth with coarse stiff green leaves. Both are perfectly permanent grasses, suited to medium heavy land. It is slow to establish itself, hut once established it holds its place long after many grasses have disappeared. .Meadow Foxtail. -One of the most valuable permanent grasses under suitable conditions, i.e. a heavy and moist soil. It layers itself very well, and is tufty, improving when stocked. Its feeding value both green and in hay is very high. It starts into growth very early in the spring and produces a large hulk of fodder. The seed has. a very low germinating capacity, and should he tested before purchase. Timothy.—Permanent under favourable conditions —up to six years. It thrives best on free heavy soils with plenty of moisture. Even on clays ii will succeed where other grasses fail. It is quite unsuited for ligkt soils. Timothy is a midseason grass, giving a wenllh of highly palatable fodder. Should he included in mixtures wlieroever conditions are suitable. Crested Dogstai!.—A rather small grass somewhat similar to perennial rye, hut does not produce so much growth. It is practically permanent on all classes of land. Fodder is highly nutritious. It is one of the best bottom grasses and should always he used. Dugstail spreads easily and so III) per acre is usually sufficient.

I’rairie Grass.—A grass which is worthy ol' a try out. It produces a great wealth ol loliage ol the highest palatahility to horses and cattle. It nmmienccs growth very early in tn** spring or even in wittier. When sown in mixtures it is immediately oaten out because ol its high palatahility. Hmigh Stalked .Meadow Grass or Boa Trioralis.—Gives very good grazing on swampy land. Quite palatahility and builds up a good tart. ( omhincs well with foxtail and is very useful tin hush burn mixtures. Kentucky Iduc Grass and Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass.—A low growing creeping twitch. Quito permanent and difficult to eradicate. Its Iced value is only moderate.

There are luimcmus other grasses siieli as florin, (bowings fescue, tall loci,f- and hard fescue, Yorkshire fog. pas pjiluni, and phataris biilbosii, which do not merit special mention, and in fact in most circumstances should he regarded as weeds. As for clovers, red clover, white elo. ver, alsike and lotus major are the most useful varieties and all should he i!so(l in mixtures. VALUATION* AND PURCHASE OF GRASS SEEDS.

In th<* purchase of grass seed special care is-necessary not only because they arc expensive, hut because different samples of the same variety vary greatly in composition and vitality. Ihe value of any sample may he estimated hv examination ol the following points.

(1) Its genuineness i.e. tremens of variety required. p_’) Its pol ity i.e. per rentage ol pure seed and the 'nature of the impurities, (fi) The germination capacity. (,|) The bushel weight, i.e. volume weight. The purity can he determined by observing the seeds on a sheet of paper. The nature of the impurities is important.

Tin* germination nr sprouting rsipacity can he determined by placing 100 seeds between damp blotting paper in •i saucer. The bushel weight is impel taut because well dressed seed has all light seeds removed.

RULES FOR PURCHASE OF SEED

(1) TJu.v each species separately and make up your own mixtures. Then you know what grasses are present and in n ll y case the merchant as a general rule does not know what mixture is suitable for your conditions. (2) Always test purity and germination. (it) Avoid seeds of low value, ltad seed is sometimes dear. High priced sei'd is not always good, but good seed is always dear. In answering the question which species shall he sown, consideration of tile following points is important—(l) The character of the soil and climate. (2) The purpose, for which it is intended. For crops of only one year’s duration only annual grasses shotiJ4 bo

used. For crops of 2-1 years duration the following grasses with clover might be used—Ryegrasses, meadow fescue, Timothy and cocksfoot. Strictly permanent grasses should not l>e sown in temporary mixtures and only a small amount of temporary grasses ill permanent mixtures—sufficient to keep weeds down nnd to give early feed for the first year, ; In mixtures required for permanent pastures plants of the following classes should he included: I (1) Clovers—about 20-30%. (2) Rapid soil coVerfirs—Ryegrasses. (3) short lived perennials, Timothy -A Is ike Cocksfoot. C 4) Permanent species—Medow foxtail, meadow fescue etc. (o) I tot tom grasses should equal top grasses. (fi) Ftrlv and late maturing species. To determine which grasses are suitable for any locality is n matter for local experience. Every farm should he an experimental farm and every fa : mm an experimentalist. Of prime consideration , however is the necessity for drainage. J \\ hen the land is drained, then sweeten it by applying lime. For information regarding suitable mixtures to try on the West Coast farmers are advised to seek the assistance which is always so readily forthcoming from the Fields Instructor of the West Const. Mr C. S- Rnlgliesh when that advice is soght. KIIAKKSTFARK. At the Town Hall last evening there was a. crowded and enthusiastic audience gathered to hear Professor Shelley give bis address on “Shakespeare in the Theatre.” The lecturer was assisted hv a large number of excellent slides which were screened in capital style by Rev A. C. Rurchas. The able lecturer handled hi.s subject in a most engaging manner and his constant amusing sallies and references ns he progressed along hi.s subject were always appreciated and responded to by the most attentive audience. Throughout the interesting address of an hour and n half, there was not a moment that was not full of interest and pleasure and at the conclusion the very hearty round of applause was given when the Professor sal down, was a well deserved recognition of a very capable exposition, given with a fluency and in a manner that showed the lecturer had a love of his subject.

Mr 1). J. Evans, who presided, moved a very hearty vote of thanks to Professor Shelley for hi s very interesting address, which all had listened to with sm"l) pleasure, lie expressed the hope that the result would lead to a revival of a presentation of a Shakespeare play referring to Urn very successful one given some years ago. Thu motion was carried by acclamation of a very hearty nature. Prof. Shelley in returning thanks said he felt that liis audience had not appreciated the lecture more than he had in giving it. Tf he could do anything assisting in the production of Shakespeare plays in their town lie would gladly do so, recognising the great amount of good that would result thereby.

The singing of the National Anthem concluded a very oniovnble evening.