286 AGRICULTURE FOR BEGINNERS 



when mellowed by harrowing makes a splendid bed for 

 grass seeds. A firm soil draws moisture up to the seeds, 

 while a mellow soil acts as a blanket to keep moisture 

 from wasting into the air, and at the same time allows the 

 heated air to circulate in the soil. 



In case land has to be plowed for grass seeding, the 

 plowing should be done as far as possible in advance of 

 the seeding. Then the plowed land should be harrowed 

 several times to get the land in a soft, mellow condition. 



If the seed bed be carefully prepared, little work on 

 the ground is necessary after the seeds are sowed. One 

 light harrowing is sufficient to cover the broadcast seeds. 

 This harrowing should always be done as soon as the seeds 

 are scattered, for, if there be moisture in the soil, the tiny 

 seeds will soon sprout, and if the harrowing be done after 

 germination is somewhat advanced, the tender grass plants 

 will be injured. 



There are many kinds of pasture and meadow grasses. 

 In New England, timothy, red clover, and redtop are gen- 

 erally used for the mowing crop. For permanent pasture, 

 in addition to those mentioned, there should be added 

 white clover and either Kentucky or Canadian blue grass. 

 In the Southern States, a good meadow or pasture can 

 be made of orchard grass, red clover, and hairy vetch. 

 For a permanent pasture in the South, Japan clover, Ber- 

 muda, and such other local grasses as have been found 

 to adapt themselves readily to the climate should be 

 added. In the Middle States, temporary meadows and 

 pastures are generally made of timothy and red clover, 

 while for permanent pastures white clover and blue grass 

 thrive well. In the more western states, the grasses 



