§ 



294 State Boakd of Agriculture, &c. 



It is almost as common as the air, and tliis very connnon- 

 ness may, in some measm'e, account for the lack of atten- 

 tion which it receives. It receives less direct culture 

 than either corn or potatoes or oats, yet, in market value, it 

 exceeds the combined aggregate of all agricultnral prod- 

 ucts. The announcement that " All flesh is grass " is 

 doubtless intended to convey lessons respecting the brevity 

 of human existence, yet we have no occasion for dispute 

 with the man who read:., "All flesh is grass," and accepts 

 the bare, literal statement. 



The soil of Vermont is particularly adaj)ted to the 

 growth of grass ; as a grazing State it ranks lirst among 

 the States of the East ; as practical proofs of this may be 

 mentioned the reputation wdiich comes of Vermont horses, 

 the excellence of lier dairy products, and the unequalled 

 notoriety of Vermont sheep. Grazing in this latitude 

 implies an abundance of forage for the winter's use, of at 

 least six months' duration. 



But the conservative farmer will object to the direct cul- 

 ture of grass to an extent corresponding to its importance, 

 compared with other held loroducts, as such implies special 

 farming. Specialty is an outgrowth of an advanced civili- 

 zation, and it has a close connection with comfort and 

 refinement. It is clearly observable in manufacture, in 

 trade, and in the professions, and more and more in agri- 

 culture. I have somewhere read this sentiment : '' Look 

 out for the man with one idea — he is irresistible." 



Grass readily responds to generous treatment ; unlike 

 other field products, it may be grown upon the same soil 

 year after year, indefinitely, without deterioration. It 



