GRASS CROP. 99 



from drainage. By this process the hay crop has been increased 

 from half a ton to two tons or more per acre." 



John H. Dickerman, Mount Carmel, Conn., says: "Drain- 

 age has been in practice here for the past fifteen years, and 

 always with the best results. Much meadow has been reclaimed 

 by its use which could be done bj' no other means. Meadows 

 so reclaimed give a crop of two or three tons at each mowing." 



That is what drainage has done iu Connecticut ; and what it has 

 done there, other things being equal, it will do for us here. But 

 drainage cannot do evei'ything. It cannot supply all the elements 

 necessary for the production of the grasses. As I said before, 

 there is a deficiency which we must supply. There is quite a por- 

 tion of our meadows, that, for several reasons, is not susceptible 

 of successful cultivation, and still is natural grass land. Such 

 lands should be kept up to their maximum of productiveness by 

 top dressing. Our natural meadows and river intervals that are 

 annually overflowed do not need it, for the water leaves what is 

 most essential to perpetuate the grasses. But I have reference to 

 our high lands only. Stable manure alone is not sufficient, as it 

 does not contain in sufficient quantity all the elements necessary ; 

 but an equal amount of swamp muck which is composed almost 

 wholly of vegetable matter mixed with a few casks of lime and 

 plaster, will make a compost which will bring such soils to the 

 required condition. Too close mowing with close grazing in the 

 fall, thus exposing the roots to severe action of the frosts of win- 

 ter, are two great causes of the frequent running out of our 

 meadows, and should be avoided ; for the compost heap cannot 

 repair the damage done by either process. 



If you will examine some of your meadows, you will find large 

 patches of soil between the roots of the growing grasses that are 

 entirely, bare. Such places require an application of seed of a 

 different variety from those already growing, before the appli- 

 cation of the compost, and you will find these barren places will 

 become occupied, and the whole soil productive ; and the result 

 will be an increased crop of richer and better hay. 



But, say you, we have not the manure to spare. All we make 

 is needed for our cultivated crops. Then cultivate less for a year 

 or two, at least, or try some method to make a little more manure. 

 Get enough, if you buy it, to top dress a few acres. The more 

 manure the more hay, and the more ha^' the more manure. The 



