316 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



I do not propose to discuss the question ■whether sheep may 

 be profitable for our farmers to keep for mutton and wool, either 

 in this or any part of the State, but as a means of reclaiming 

 such pastures as cannot be subdued by that great subducr, the 

 Plough. 



From long experience it is evident that mowing bushes will 

 not eradicate them. That we may obtain the necessary feed for 

 our stock in summer, and that our pastures may not become a 

 wild, the bushes and other improper growths must be cut as 

 often, at least, as once in two years, which, at the present high 

 price of labor, will cost from four to six dollars per acre ; or 

 from two to three, if mowed every year. If we only mow, we 

 must re-mow during our lives, and our land becomes no richer 

 by the use of the scythe ; therefore we shall leave a worthless 

 inheritance to our children, and the more of the like we leave, 

 the poorer will they be, if our example and footsteps are followed 

 by them. 



If we conclude to lay the scythe aside, but are still deter- 

 mined to subdue, while we cannot plough, our resort must be to 

 the Hoe. When this instrument is used, the roots must be cut 

 about two inches below the surface of the ground. This ■will 

 effectually destroy the shrubs. Having cut the bushes and 

 other similar pests in this manner, and burned them, select a 

 day just previous to a gentle rain, if convenient, applying some 

 of the fertilizing agents mentioned, and re-seed, using a harrow 

 for the purpose, if possible. This method for small patches, at 

 least, will be found a profitable means of subduing and improving 

 some lands. 



Many of our pastures might be much improved by receiving 

 a new supply of grass seeds of the best varieties ; and this, in 

 many instances, will be absolutely necessary to obtain, by the 

 application of fertilizing combinations, a satisfactory result. 



The use of the hoc for large tracts of land would be rather 

 expensive, but far better and cheaper in the end than the ever- 

 lasting and inefficient operation of the scythe. 



But will not sheep be a far better and still cheaper means 

 than either of those instruments for the farmer to employ ? At 

 the present time sheep may be purchased for from two to five 

 dollars each ; and this quality will be as effectual for mere pur- 

 poses of subduing pernicious growths as those costing much more. 



