THE CULTURE OF FARM CROPS. 



CHAPTER XLIV. 



GRASS. 



Grass is the pivot upon which farm crops rotate. It is 

 the most valuable and productive crop grown. It feeds all 

 the stock; produces all our meat; feeds the horses, cows, 

 and sheep; produces our milk and butter and cheese; the 

 hides, and wool; and thus contributes more to the suste- 

 nance and comfort of mankind than any other farm crop 

 grown. It is a common saying that "grass farmers are the 

 richest farmers;" and it is quite true, because grass is the 

 easiest crop grown and yields the most profitable products. 

 It is of the greatest importance then that grass should be 

 cultivated in the best manner. 



Permanent meadows are the most profitable form in which 

 grass can be grown, because once the grass is established it 

 is maintained for many years with very little cost and trou- 

 ble. In regard to the formation and maintenance of per- 

 manent meadows three things are most worthy of notice: 

 the preparation of the land; the choice of varieties of grass; 

 and the treatment necessary for their preservation. 



No other crop exacts such a careful preparation of the 

 soil as grass. The most perfect plowing is required to get 

 a smooth level surface; and thorough harrowing, or what is 

 the best, a thorough working with the Acme pulverizing 

 harrow is indispensable. The land should be plowed at 

 least 6 inches deep. If the surface is stony, the stones should 

 be rolled into the furrows and covered at the next turn; the 

 Acme harrow will not disturb them, and they are out of the 

 way of all future work. After the plowing, the furrows 

 are leveled down and pulverized thoroughly, and the work- 

 ing with this implement is continued until the soil is per- 

 fectly fine and compact. 



