CHAPTER XX. 



Pasture and Soiling Crops. 



Pa^ref* ^^ laying out a farm it is advisable to have a 



field near the bam for pasture and soiling crops. 

 Eight acres, perhaps, are sufficient for permanent 

 pasture. Adjoining this, about six acres might be 

 seeded to alfalfa and orchard grass for cutting and 

 feeding green (soiling). High, dry- land is prefer- 

 able. Before seeding for permanent pasture the 

 land should be thoroughly cultivated, and, if neces- 

 sary, underdrained ; then manured and ribbed in 

 the fall, so that it will be in good shape for spring 

 cultivation, which should consist in harrowing and 

 cultivating the ribs down level. Then, with a grain 

 drill, sow barley at the rate of half a bushel per acre. 

 At the same time sow ahead of the grain spouts the 

 following mixture of grass seed: Alsike, three 

 pounds; white clover, one pound; timothy, three 

 pounds; blue grass, three pounds; red top, three 

 pounds; total, twenty pounds per acre. After 

 seeding, level off with a light harrow or Breed's 

 weeder. 



When the barley is about a foot high cut it with 

 a mowing machine (not too close), and leave it on 

 the ground for a mulching. 



About two acres of the pasture land should be 

 planted with maple trees (see Diagram 54), both for 

 the purpose of ornament and shelter for the cattle. 

 It is advisable not to seed this portion the first year, 

 as the trees will make more rapid growth by keeping 

 the land cultivated for another year. Mulch with 

 farm manure. The silver leaf maple is hardy, and 

 will make more rapid growiih than the hard sugar 

 maple. The former is desirable in this case, as it is 



