228 On the JManuriiifj of Grass Land. 



ence between the actions of worms is a difference of degree. 

 The smaller species act in the same manner as the larger, only 

 longer time and more minute observation are necessary to lorm 

 a proper judgment of their labours. 



By the way, is not this nature's provision for the aeration of 

 the soil of grass-land, which cannot be stirred by man? Are not 

 worms her ploughmen, bringing fresh soil to the surface for 

 atmospheric disintegration, and opening channels in the earth to 

 promote decomposition there ? Alay not the earth-food of grass 

 phmts depend principally upon the labours of earthworms ? 



I have dwelt upon this point for the purpose of showing the 

 farmer that he must not rely upon the supposed fertility of 

 *' vegetable mould" beneath his grass, because that vegetable 

 mould does not exist, but must recollect that grass grows essen- 

 tially in the soil of the farm, whatever that may be, and therefore 

 needs manure as much as roots or grain. Grass requires earth 

 of extreme fineness for its highest development, and Providence 

 has taken care that this shall be provided by the unceasing 

 labours of the millions of insects wliich have their habitations 

 beneath its shelter. They are the agents appointed to bring 

 about a mechanical condition of the soil which is beyond the 

 power of man, but which is needed for a full supply of the 

 natural food of cattle. But they can do no more. Earthworms 

 and other insects cannot alter the chemical constitution of the 

 soil which thev derive from below and deposit upon the surface ; 

 but whatever need existed in the original soil exists also in that 

 which they have reduced to the finest mechanical condition with 

 which we are acquainted. They prepare for fertilisation, but 

 they do not fertilise ; and when nature, by other agents, has 

 performed her part, man must perform his if he desire to obtain 

 such crops as are indispensable in a condition of high civilisation 

 and dense population. Insects and the atmosphere are able to 

 <lotlie the earth in a robe of green, and supply the means of 

 liealthy subsistence to the fevv^ animals which exist in a state of 

 nature, but wool for clothing, and meat for feeding the masses 

 which progress brings together, must result from a liberal supply 

 of the elements of growth dispensed by the band of Him who 

 has undertaken the important task of provisioning the nation. 

 " Whoso will reap must sow," applies to grass as well as grain. 



Time of Manuring. 



Where grass is manured the season of its application is too 

 much matter of caprice or ignorant prejudice, and yet surely 

 nature indicates the proper time to apply it, and the best practice 

 shows the wisdom of attending to her teachings. The object of 

 :r.anuring is the growth of the largest possible quantity of grass 

 upon a given area. This will be effected by causing growth 



