236 GRASSES FOR PASTURES AND MEADOWS. 



CHAPTER IX. 

 GRASSES FOR PASTURES AND MEADOWS. 



It has been repeatedly shown that a judicious mixture of sev- 

 eral varieties will produce a larger yield than can be obtained 

 where one variety is sown by itself. This is a rule in nature aa 

 well as in farming. Many sorts will usually occupy the ground 

 more completely than one sort and help keep out weeds. " Each 

 species has some special niche to fill, some separate part to play 

 in the grand harmony of nature. Each one is better adapted for 

 some purpose or for some soil or climate or locality than any 

 other." (Gould.) Sinclair found that from the beginning 

 of spring until winter set in, there was no time when one or 

 more species of grass was not in its most perfect state. . He found 

 that dry weather favored some, moisture that of others. He 

 always favored a mixture for producing the best pasture. A 

 mixed pasture is earlier, gives a better yield, and holds out better 

 than any one species of grass. 



Then there is the taste of cattle to be considered. As Pleues 

 in her British Grasses states: " Sheep have strong likes and dis- 

 likes. They will hasten to a kind of grass which is a favorite 

 with them, tramping down all the other grasses as unfit to taste, 

 Horses again have their preference and cows theirs, and we have 

 even seen swine exercise considerable cunning to secure a feed of 

 a favorite grass. So the agriculturist has as much to consider as 

 a master of ceremonies; he must consult the capabilities of 

 situation, the qualities of his provision, and the various tastes of 

 his company." 



Because a grass is thrifty it does not necessarily follow that it 

 is the best adapted to the farmer's use. It may not be nutritious, 

 it may be offensive to stock. A grass which thrives in one place 



