180 GRx\.SSES AND FORAGE PLANTS. 



ficial." A very successful, practical farmer of Worcester 

 county says : " The height from the ground at which it is best 

 to cut grass, depends on the season, the soil and the grass. No 

 grass, except on moist ground, should be cut so low in a very 

 dry season, as it will do to cut it in a wet season. The natural . 

 grasses I like to have cut within about two and a half inches of 

 the ground. Our old fields of cultivated grasses do not afford 

 much afterfccd after the clover is run out ; what of stubble is 

 left on them is lost, so I like to mow close." 



One of the most observing, experienced and practical farmers 

 of Hampden county says : " I prefer grass cut from an inch . 

 and a half to two inches, as it starts much quicker to grow 

 when cut at that height, than when shaved close to the earth? 

 as some that are called good mowers do their work. If it is 

 true that all crops are benefited from the ammonia in the 

 atmosphere, as I have no doubt they are, judging from grass 

 side by side, the one cut close, the other two inclies high, the 

 grasses should have some leaves left them to receive this bene- 

 fit. Grass cut two inches high will keep growing, Avhile that 

 closely cut will be even weeks before it will show the first signs 

 of life." 



Another experienced farmer says : " Where I top-dress imme- 

 diately after, I cut as low as I can, to save all the grass I can. 

 If I do not top-dress I cut from two to three inches high, to 

 protect and nourish the roots. I do not feed in the fall where 

 I do not top-dress. I intend to manure all my natural upland 

 mowing land and never feed my old fields." And another: "I 

 like to cut rather near the ground, for the reason that more hay 

 is obtained. If the soil is in good condition, and not too dry, 

 it will start again immediately. I know some say cut high, the 

 stubble will manure the land and protect the roots, &c., but I pre- 

 fer to manure with something better for protection. I top-dress 

 my mowing land and prefer a compost made of woollen waste 

 and meadow mud for soil not very wet; but for a cold, heavy 

 soil, sliould prefer sand, or sandy loam to mix with wool waste. 

 Apply fifteen cart loads of thirty bushels each, late in autumn." 



A farmer of Franklin county says : " The farmers here cut 

 their grass as near tlie ground as tliey can conveniently, without 

 any particular reason for it, except to increase the quantity of 

 hay." Anotlicr says : " I prefer to have my grass cut at two 



