Pastures in 'New York 791 



pasture mixtures 



Most of the early failures with pasture seeding may be blamed 

 directly on poor choice of seeding mixtures. Grasses that are 

 commonly suited to meadow mixtures are entirely unsuited to 

 pasture work. They do not make a firm, even turf that will with- 

 stand trampling, nor are they sufficiently permanent. However, 

 they are of use as a part of the pasture mixture. Blue grass of 

 either the Kentucky or the Canada variety forms the basis of most 

 permanent pasture mixtures. The Kentucky variety is best suited 

 to moist lands ; for, while it is true that it f orais a smooth, tough 

 sod, starts growth early, and furnishes nutritious feed for a long 

 season, it cannot withstand severe drouo'ht. On drv lands the 

 Canada variety should have the preference. Kentucky blue grass 

 is identical with the so-called June grass that grows naturally in 

 many sections of the state. The Canada variety may be easily 

 identified by its zigzag stem. A little white clover is always 

 desirable in the mixture. Though it furnishes no great amount 

 of feed, it is highly relished by all stock; it withstands drought 

 and trampling and is very serviceable in making a smooth, firm 

 turf. 



It would be indeed presumptuous to attempt to quote a " one 

 best " mixture for all lands and conditions. The grass mixture 

 may very properly be varied to suit local conditions. There are 

 many both good and poor ones on the market. In general, it is 

 advisable to buy the best quality of tested seed of the separate 

 varieties you wish and mix them yourself. There are certain 

 qualities common to all good mixtures that may best be illustrated 

 by quoting two good ones that have stood the test in many parts 

 of the state and are widely used in the extension teaching and 

 demonstration work being carried on by our agricultural institu- 

 tions, as follows: 



For ]\Ioist Land For Dry Land 



Number Number 



of of 



Grasses Used pounds Grasses Used pounds 



Timothy 5 Timothy 5 



Redtop 5 Canada Blue Grass 5 



Orchard Grass 5 Orchard (irass 5 



Meadow Fescue 5 Awnless Brome Grass 5 



Kentucky Blue Grass 5 Alsike Clover 5 



Alsike Clover 4 White Clover 1 



White Clover 1 



