AGRICULTURAL TEXT-BOOK. 13 



392. Grasses prosper, on the great majority of soils, not on 

 a ll_but those containing a fair proportion of clay and loam, 

 with moisture, are the most profitable both for meadow and 

 grazing. 



393. A field laid down to grass for a length of time improves 

 the soil for grain crops, much if pastured, partially if mowed. 



394. The manures requisite for grasses, necessarily vary with 

 the needs of the soil, which can only be ascertained by analysis ; 

 but these plants peculiarly require the alkalies in the form of 

 soluble silicates, the phosphates of magnesia, and lime, with 

 nitrogen. Unleached wood-ashes contain the silicate of potash 

 in the same proportion as straw, besides several other important 

 salts, and consequently are an excellent manure for this crop. 

 Barn-yard manures may also be applied with profit, but they 

 are generally preferred in the shape of composts. Guano, 

 plaster, &c., are found profitable in some localities. Salt is 

 highly beneficial in some soils, 2 to 3 bushels per acre sown 

 in spring. In England, nitrate of soda (Saltpetre,) at the cost 

 of $6.00 per acre, has been used with profit. If barn-yard 

 manure is used, it should be hauled and evenly spread on all 

 lands containing clay, soon after the hay is taken off ; on sandy 

 lands, in spring. In both instances, harrow in spring, as soon 

 the ground will bear the team without poaching, and mix the 

 manure into the soil, till the whole looks black. There can be 

 no injury done by tearing up the surface grass. If the sod is 

 thin, sow on a little more seed and roll. By such a dressing of 

 well-saved barn-yard manure every three years, a meadow may 

 be kept in high condition. Such fields should not be pastured 

 in spring, nor at any time when wet. 



395. Timothy seed, in the United States, is usually sown with 

 a grain crop ; if with wheat in the fall or spring ; with oats, or 

 barley in spring. Barley is decidedly the best crop for the pur 

 pose. The first year s grass on the same field, one-half sown 

 with oats, and half with barley, will show a very decided profit 



