492 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



after the timber has been removed. As near as I can estimate the cost, 

 as taken from the words of small farmers and settlers, it would be be- 

 tween S75.00 and ?1 50.00 per acre. 



A summary of my arguments for the land clearing policy pursued Ott 

 the Station are: First, after spending the small sum of i^i^A)'2 per acre on 

 cut-over land and !?1.87 per acre for seed, we had it in shape to raise its 

 first good crop — pasture. Second, this crop of pasture would support 

 from two to three sheep per acre one year from date of seeding and about 

 4 to 6 thereafter. Third, that, while being pastured by livestock, the soil 

 fertility is improving and the green sprouts are being killed, causing 

 the stumps to rot. Fourth, that while sheep are helping to clear and im- 

 prove the land, they are, at the same time, turning money over to the 

 owner which will help support him and clear the land of its remaining 

 stumps at the least possible cost. 



Note. — This applies only to hardwood. Softwood stumps will not 

 decay so quickly. 



