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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 6
3. Téosinté.—
3. Téosinté.—
Bombay.—
Mr. Woodrow reports:—"Euchlœna luxurians produced a heavy crop of forage when treated as a garden plant, but not better than would be given by sugar-one in the same circumstances. When treated as a fixed crop, under the same conditions as Jowarœ, the produce was inferior to that crop."
Queensland.—
Mr. Valter Hill reports from Brisbane; —" The seeds received by me were duly planted, and grew both strong; nd healthy, flowering about the month of May. From the opportunity I have had of judging of its nutritve qualities, I am not of opinion that it can be grown to much advanage in this colony, the stalks appear to be too fibrous and hard to possess much nourishment. I shal, however, make further experiments."
Saharunpore.—
Mr. Duthie reports:—"As far as cultivation is concerned success has been complete. The majority were fine healthy plants, and an abundant supply of excellent seed was produced."
Singapore.—
Mr. Murton reports:—" This grass, although useful, does not bear out its reputation in the Straits. Large quantities of seeds have been distributed, but all accounts from the Native States state that it pays far better to grow maize, as the same ground that will grow Teosinte will produce excellent maize."
South Australia.—
Dr. Schomburgk reports from Adelaide that, notwithstanding the disastrous drought of the early part of 1879, the prevailing dryness did not injure the plants, showing not the slightest effect on their leaves,
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which preserved their healthy green, while the blades of the other grasses suffered materially. . . At the Government garden at Palmerston, in the Northern Territory, the growth of the Euchlcena has been surprising. In the course of five or six months the plants reached the height of 12 to 14 feet, and the stems on one plant numbered 56. The plants after mowing down grew again several feet in a few days. The cattle delight in it in a fresh state also when dry. Undoubtedly there is not a more prolific forage plant known. . . . I can recommend it as a most valuable summer forage plant in our dry climate, especially if it can be planted in a moist soil. The only drawback with us will be that the ripening of the seed crop will be problematical, as early frosts will kill the plant."