318 BOARD OP AGRICULTURE. 



This class are generally quite free from bushes and other foul 

 growths prejudicial to fertility, and no particular complaint may 

 be offered in regard to them, except they are in an unproductive 

 state, some of the causes of which have been already hinted. 



Should there be found on the surface of any of this class 

 patches of bushes, wild grasses and brambles, more or less 

 numerous, these should receive the same treatment previously 

 recommended for such cases whenever they occur. 



Here I would remark in general, that, for some of our cold, 

 wet pastures, sloping northerly and westerly, upon which the 

 influence of the sun is but imperfectly felt, some form of drain- 

 age might be beneficial ; and it has been stated by some careful 

 observers that the effects of gypsum are more decided on slopes 

 of this character and inclination. 



Shade trees are desirable on all pasture lands, both as an 

 embellishment to the grounds and comfort to herds and flocks. 

 These should be allowed to stand, or planted when none are 

 growing, on the highest or least productive portions. 



Some pastures included in this class might be benefited by 

 harrowing the surface in early spring time, and scattering some 

 seed anew, with the application of some fertilizing materials in 

 form of dust or compost before indicated. But generally this 

 class require only a fresh supply of seed scattered over them on 

 the snows of spring, with an occasional dressing with appropriate 

 compounds, together with rest once in awhile for a season. 

 This course, with fair and judicious stocking, will insure an 

 ample reward for our labor and outlay. Nor would just the 

 amount of increase in grass thereby furnished for our animals, 

 the profits of which we should receive in flesh and milk, be all 

 the extra gain derived from this changed condition ; but our 

 stock would become permanently improved and their value 

 enhanced, while, at the same time, their manurial products scat- 

 tered over these acres, or accumulated for use on other lands of 

 the farm, would be proportionally increased in quantity and 

 quality ; for the richer the food consumed the more highly 

 nourishing to plants are all the excrements derived therefrom. 



Judging by their management, many seem to think that 

 manure is all the same from whatever kind of food derived, all 

 the difference being that which distinguishes its animal sources, 

 as from horses, neat stock, sheep, swine, &c, whether from 



