WATER PLANTAIN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 45, 20 January 1928, Page 2

WATER PLANTAIN.

RELISHED BY STOCK. GROWN ON SWAMP LAND. v HAMILTON, Jan. 18. The assertion that he has discovered a method which may open the way to a solution lof tho many difficulties attending swamp 'lands is made by a well-known farmer ot the Lower Waikato, Mr Harry Ramsay. Mr Ramsay owns 1500 acres of land, of which 300 is partially drained swamp, which is very subject to floods. About twelve years ago he noticed stock wading on to a swamp area to eat a tail, broad-leaved plant which they seemed to relish very much. Ho saved some seed and decided to make an experimental sowing with it next season. It grew prolifically and stock of all descriptions —horses, cattle, sheep and pigs were so partial to it that in the following season he put down an area of about 100 acres on the wettest part of tho place. The plant, he has ascertained, is a species of water plantain. It grows very densely and to the height of three, feet. The seed head runs much higher and ripens during February or March. . At present Mr Ramsay is fattening 100 lambs on his swamp, and he is convinced that tho plant is superior to rape or any other lamb fattening crops, although it needs no labour in ploughing or sowing. Mr C. A. Palmer, a well-known land valuer and farmer who visited Mr Kamsaj a farm, expressed the opinion that the P a was a very valuable one. The stock seemed to eat it greedily and thrive on it, and, personally, he was greatly impressed with its value. i