292 FARMERS' INSTITUTES. 



"Aftermaths are richer in nitrogen than first cuts, and they are more 

 nitrogenous the younger they are gathered ; they are richer, also, in phos- 

 phoric acid and potash. Theoretically, aftermaths constitute a better food 

 than first cuts, yet they sell at a lo^er price, probably owing to their appear- 

 ance, and because when dried they are more indigestible." 



In considering the above experiment in reference to the great value of 

 grass cropped often, we should not forget to take into account that cattle and 

 sheep, while they roam over and over the field for pasture, injure the gra^s 

 more or less with their feet. 



WHAT MANURES TO APPLY. 



This is a very puzzling qxiestion — one difficult to answer. In most cases 

 no one can tell what would be best till experiments are made, but an intelli- 

 gent person of experience can usually tell approximately what is for the 

 best. 



The substances most generally needed in manures for increasing a crop are 

 those containing available nitrogen, potash and phosphoric acid. The 

 influence of the weather, the moisture on grasses and clovers is much more 

 marked than that c msed by the richness or barrenness of the soil. 



"The tendency of modern practice in manuring is to use readily soluble 

 and quick acting manures, but to use them sparingly at each time. Little 

 and often is the rule. It is not good policy to bury any manure very deeply, 

 but apply it on or near the surface." — [Crops of the Farm.] 



It is better to apply nitrogenous manures in spring when plants are beginning 

 to grow. In what follows the reader will learn from the experience of others 

 who have made many experiments with various kinds of fertilizers applied to 

 grass land. For these we are compelled to cross the Atlantic, as but few 

 reliable results have been published in America. 



Here are two mixtures in which the requirements of potash and phosphoric 

 acid greatly differ. The tables are from Mr. Julie: 



First Mixture. 



Phosphoric Acid Potash 



in 1,000 lbs. in 1,000 lbs. 



Lolium perenne (Perennial rye-grass) 6.75... 36.3 



Phalaris bleuaire (Canary grass) 5.68 31.4 



Avena flavescens (Yellow oat-grass) 5.98 36.55 



Anthoxauthum odoratum (Sweet vernal grass) 6.85 25.89 



Festuca pratensis (Meadow fescue) 5.52. 21.83 



Bromus Schraderii (Schrader's bromus) ..8.07 21.55 



Mean or average .6.375 27.256 



Second Mixture. 



Poa nemoralis (Wood meadow grass) 4.12 10.85 



Bromits pratensis (A chess) -- 3.62 13.59 



Poa pratensis (June grass) 4.43 15.24 



Cynosurus cristatus (Crested dog's-tail) 3.72 .15.24 



Festuca rubra (Red fescue) _ .3.34 16.37 



Phleum pratense (Timothy) 4.13 16.61 



Mean or average 3.893 14.65 



