Macrochloa [Stipa] or This grass is a native of Spain, Portugal, Greece, and N. Africa, ascending the Sierra Nevada to 4000 ft.; it is recom mended for culture in Victoria. The habit of growth is tufted, and the leaf-sheaths are hairy inter nally, by which characteristics it is distinguished from Lygeum spartum, which is popularly, though erroneously, supposed to yield a portion of the alfa or esparto of commerce.
Cultivation of the plant grows in root-clusters, 2-10 ft. in circumference ; between the clumps, little channels convey away excess of moisture. The leaves attain a length of 6 in. 3 ft., and are about 0.16 in. in diameter, becoming dry and closer when ripe. The flowers appear in April-May, and ripen in May-June ; the seed falls in June-July, and germinates in the following autumn. Seed is generally produced annually, its quantity depending much upon the rainfall. The young seedlings are very delicate, and easily killed by late frosts. For the first 2 years, growth is scarcely perceptible; and not till 12-15 years have elapsed, will the plant begin to yield serviceable produce. It then continues to develop up to a great age. Cultivation, properly speaking, is almost unknown to it, and men have mostly been content to draw upon the very extensive wild growth of the plant. Nevertheless, if supplies are to be maintained, this subject must receive attention. The following remarks therefore are intended to indicate what might be, rather than what is done.
Situation and Climate.—Tbe zone where the plant is indigenous may be included between and 41° N. lat.; here it is found at altitudes varying from sea-level to 3000 ft. The most favour able localities are at moderate elevations on the sea-coast, none comparing with those where the plant is under the immediate influence of the sea-air. Hero the fibre is fine, short, and even. At the same time, much finer esparto, With longer leaf, is found inland ; but instead of being all of uniformly superior kind, the prime will form only or even of the whole, the remainder being coarse and rank. Sunshine is eminently beneficial, if not essential. The coast grass is preferred by paper-makers ; while the longer growth from the interior is sought after for making sieves, baskets, &c. A southern aspect produces the finest fibre.
Soil.—The plant prefers calcareous or chalky soils, sande, and stony land ; on clay, it never thrives. Neither depth nor richness of soil is necessary : it flourishes on arid, sterile spots, even in the Sahara itself, where no other plant exists. It is never grown on land which is capable of
producing other crops, and it is not certain that the fibre would be improved or increased by good soil.
Propagation.—This may be effected in either of three ways—(a) sowing, (b) transplanting, and (c) burning down the atochas or annual flower-stems.
(a) The seed-collecting time varies with the altitude and exposure: on coast-lands, the seed will be ready by June ; further inland, in July ; on the highest interior lands, August or later. If gathered prematurely, the seed is useless; if the right moment be missed, the seed will have fallen. The surest test of maturity is a roughness to the touch when the fingers are lightly passed over the ear. The ears are then cut and sun-dried, and the seed is extracted by hand, or by passing the ears between wooden seeding-rollers. If stored thoroughly dry, and kept so, vitality is retained for years. In September, the ground is prepared by light ploughing, or harrowing. Sowing is beet performed in October-November, when rain may be reckoned upon. The seed ie scattered broadcast. It needs but little covering of soil : generally it will suffice to turn cattle on the land immediately after sowing ; but when cold is anticipated, bush-harrows and rollers may be used. In the 2nd year, the atocha will appear, and will develop till the 10-15th year, when it should be productive. The quality of the fibre then yielded does not repay cost of gathering ; but leaving it causes the atocha to rot, while regular pulling from the first conduces to the health and strength of the plant. After 4-5 years, the clusters of atochas are thinned ; and again in the 8th-9th year. This operation may be entrusted to women and children.
(b) To transplant an atocha, it is taken up entire, without separation of, or injury to, the roots. It is then divided into 4 or more portions, which are planted out in holes, measuring 8 in. each way, and 2 ft. apart. The holes are then filled in, and well trodden down, to exclude the air. The best time for transplanting is early autumn ; after the frost has set in, it is very risky. It may be done in the spring, after sufficient rainfall. In the autumn planting, the beds are opened early in September, so as to be ready for the first showers.