Book excerpt: The importance of grasslands. The classification and distribution of grasses. The world's major tropical grasslands. Performance and management of natural pasture. The case for improved pastures to replace indigenous species. Pasture improvement by introducing new species. Selection of pasture grass species, seed purchase and storage, and fertilizer needs. Pasture leys. Management of improved grassland in semi-intensive and intensive production systems. Reseeding the arid and semi-arid range. Handling difficult grasses. Grasses for special purposes. Utilization and conservation of forage. The chemical compostion and nutritive value of tropical grasses. The tropical grasses catalogue. Common names of tropical grasses. Common names of other plants. Index. Illustrations.