132 FARM DEVELOPMENT 



The packing by the feet of animals often results in the 

 formation of hummocks which make mowing for hay 

 next to impossible, and breaking somewhat difficult. 

 Where the land is to remain for some time in pasture, 

 these objections have less force. 



Plowing and pulverizing peaty lands is ordinarily done 

 with the plows, pulverizers and harrows in ordinary use 

 on the farm. Plows might be made that would be 

 especially adapted to breaking such land. The share 



Figure 52. Burning surface peat in West Germany where peaty lands are called 

 moorlands. 



should be broad, so that a wide furrow can be made, and 

 it should be kept sharp so as to cut off roots. The 

 coulter should be adapted to cut loose the edge of the 

 soft, mossy furrow-slice and to sever all but the largest 

 roots. Where it is desired to use moorlands for pastures 

 or meadows, the complete destruction of wild plants and 

 the making of a smooth seed bed is wise, if not too ex- 

 pensive. Peaty lands once subdued are cultivated with 

 much the same plows and implements used in solid soils. 

 Growing crops on peaty lands. In many cases the 

 moorland may be broken, sown to flax or oats, and seeded 



