AGRICULTURAL TEXT-BOOK. 



seeds on tlio barn floor, and shower over them gradually, with 

 frequent turnings, as much water, at a time, as they can absorb 

 without any running off. Do this for a whole day, at separate 

 intervals, until they are thoroughly saturated. At night, make 

 them up into a heap and cover with cloths so as to raise the 

 temperature. Before sowing, spread out on a cloth to dry in 

 the sun for a short time, so that they can be easily separated. 

 Old or damaged seeds, incapable of germinating, are sometimes 

 sold. This may be discovered by placing a piece of flannel at 

 the bottom of a common saucer, saturating it with water, and 

 sowing a few seeds on it. Keep in a warm place, renewing the 

 trater as it evaporates, and in three or four days all the seeds 

 capable of germinating, will sprout. The same test may be 

 applied to any kind of seed. 



In Maine, the grain intended to be sown, is wet or soaked, the 

 grass seed is mixed with the grain in this wet state, to which it 

 readily adheres, and in this manner it is sown. We only men 

 tion this mode to condemn it; as either the grain must be 

 buried too shallow, or the grass too deeply; in growing, the two 

 will be apt to interfere ; and the plants will be uneven. 



397. These rules, with slight modifications which must be 

 learnt from experience, will apply to all species of grasses. The 

 small and light seeds are usually sold by the pound weight. 

 The statutes of Michigan do not determine the weight of a 

 bushel of Timothy seed, but 60 Ibs. is the usual standard. 



398. A great diversity of practice occurs as to the time when 

 grass should be cut for hay. So far as can be ascertained by 

 theory, the period at which grasses contain the largest propor 

 tion of nutritive matter is just previous to flowering, and while 

 in blossom; but in practice, some species appear to be as good 

 if not better when the seed is ripe. The question can only be 

 determined by many carefully conducted experiments ; and we 

 trust that a matter of such great importance will not be allowed 

 to remain in its present uncertain condition. Timothy cut 



