"Paspalum Dilalatum."

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7939, 21 October 1904, Page 5

"Paspalum Dilalatum."

Messrs Hodder and Tolley, seedsmen, JSangitikei street, have handed us the toUowing information as to the suitability; of this grass for this and the surrounding districts. As this grass has been brought. into prominence of late, should-, be of. valueto settlers, as-the grass, however good it may be m warmer or sub-tropical districts, js apparently worthless in this locality, and as the seed is expensive, fanners will, no dobut, be advised and omit it from mixtures.

One of the firm's customers, Mr T. Harrison, a well-known seed expert and grower, has had a patch of Paspalum under observation for some time, and as a result he now condemns it, so far as its, being a useful addition to our pastures. It is not a winter grass; indeed, it is a very late grass. At the present time there is hardly a sign of life in the piece of trial ground under observation. The coarse, rank.growth of last season lies all dead on the ground, and nownere is. there the sign of a green blade; in fact, a root that has been (carefully tended with a view to show purposes is a most miserable specimen, cocksfootr being very much its superior. It will be evident to all agriculturalists that what is required is not another rank grass in pur summer pastures, introduced from a warm climate like Ceylon, but the introduction, if possible, of hardy grasses from colder climates than our own, and which are likely to be of service in our pastures : jn- winter -and very early spring. Paspalum -DUatatum may be an excellent-grassi for Central Australia, but it is totally unsuited. to introduce into the rich and well-watered pastures of this coast. .