OF THE RED CLOTER. 285 



In these observations we have pointed out the causes to 

 which the faihire of the red clover crop is chiefiy to be 

 attributed, and shall now, in conclusion, shortly advert to 

 what has been advanced on that sidjject, as well as on the 

 remedies suggested. 



1st, We see, then, that much seed is lost from foiling into 

 chinks and crevices ; and that, even in certain conditions of 

 the soil, with the common harrow, so much cover may be 

 given to the seed as to prevent its germination. This is 

 more particularly the case when the soil is rough or damp, 

 or of a heavy and impervious character. Clover seed can. 

 scarcely be soAvn in such descriptions of soil without more 

 than one-half of it receiving from two to three inches of 

 cover ; and, Avhen rolled, it is entirely lost. It would be 

 much better, under such circumstances, to sow the clover 

 seed after the harrowing has been finished, and simply to 

 roll afterwards, and in this way rather to risk the chances of 

 its being destroyed by an over-dry summer : the chances are 

 at least three to one in its favour, the circumstances favour- 

 able to the growth of red clover being a dry or well-pulve- 

 rized soil, and not more than one inch of cover. 



2nd, It is also evident that a very large proportion of the 

 plants, in the first stage of their growth, are liable to be 

 destroyed by insects and slugs. At the present time, we are 

 aware of no remedy of general a])plication for the evil but to 

 sow less sparingly. In many districts the neglect of this 

 precaution is too common an error. The cpiantity allowed in 

 some is from 4 to 6 lb., in others from G to 10 lb., and in some 

 of the finer lands still more. Suppose, then, that in the first 

 of these 5 lb. are given to the imperial acre of seed of 

 average quality ;i this is only one seed to every ten square 

 inches ; and if we deduct one-half for the loss sustained iu 

 germination and by insects, we have only one seed for every 

 twenty square inches. We also found that 5 per cent, was 

 lost by frost, which will also make the distance still greater ; 

 and if we take the acre of Scotch measure, hj which the 

 soil is still calculated in many parts of this country, we 



been removed from a soil must be restored to it ; but whether by means of 

 excrement, ashes, or bones, is in a great measure a matter of indiffe- 

 rence." 



Professor Johnston, in his Lectures on Agricultural Chemistry, has 

 established the same important truth upon a foiuidation from which it can 

 never be removed. 



' Supposing that there are 130 seeds in five grains, or l.j,3G2 to the 

 ounce. 



