•,>40 PREPARATION OF THE SOIL AND SEEDING. 



CHAPTER X. 

 PREPARATION OF THE SOIL AND SEEDING. 



Drainage. — The advantages of drainage are many, even for 

 growing grass, though it is probably true that grass land does not 

 require to be drained as thoroughly as that which is arable. 

 Drainage prevents damage from flooding for long periods when 

 not desired. It is a protection against drought; ir enables the 

 grasses to start earlier in spring and grow later in autumn; it 

 deepens the soil and prevents baking in dry weather; it allows 

 the plant to receive greater benefit from fertilizers applied to the 

 soil ; it allows air to penetrate the soil ; it prevents frost from 

 heaving out the plants ; it makes hauling of loads easier, and 

 renders the land less liable to injury froui the treading of cattle; 

 it improves the better grasses, which tliereby encroach on those 

 of less value, including many sedges, rushes and useless weeds. 

 Much of our grass land, especially that in permanent pasture 

 and meadow, Avould be vastly improved by thorough drainage. 



If water, in a Avet season, stand nearer than two feet of the 

 surface in a small hole dug in the ground, the land needs 

 draining. 



Preparation of the Soil. — Strong, deep, calcarous soil, with 

 a clay subsoil, is the best adapted for our most nutritious grasses. 



It is most important that the land be clean, finely pulverized 

 and of good tilth when the seeds are sown. If the land can be 

 lightly harrowed immediately before sowing the seeds or imme- 

 diately after, the seeds will be more likely to get a good start. 

 A brush harrow is a very good substitute for a light one with 

 slanting steel teeth. 



How Much Seed to Sow. — That depends on the size and 

 vitality of the seed, the number of seeds to the bushel, the con- 



