484 



Bulletin 280. 



pastures studied during the past two years in nearly all parts of the 

 state, very few have been found which have received the slightest care. 

 The common opinion seems to be that this part of the farm can take 

 care of itself. 



The testimony of those who have undertaken a system of improve- 

 ment and care is decidedly favorable. The cost of caring for the pasture 

 is slight when compared with the increased returns. Most of the labor 

 required may be performed at a time when other farm work is slack. 



Fig. 156. — A hillside pasture which tieeds the iveeds and brush cut. 



Mowing.— The, simplest method of controlling most pasture weeds 

 is to mow them. The time to do this is before they have ripened seeds. 

 This should be done before haying time. Mowing later will not pre- 

 vent the ripening of seeds. Cattle usually browse the grass and permit 

 the weeds to grow. 



Another advantage gained by mowing the pasture consists in securing 

 a new growth of grass. The early growth of grass is often too much to 

 supply the needs of the animals. The excess becomes tough and unpala- 



