64 FARM CROPS 



GOOD PASTURES ARE ALWAYS POPULAR 



The testimony of dairymen is undeniably and 

 emphatically in favor of silage, soiling crops and 

 similar feeds to take the place of pasture, because 

 they keep the milk yield constant. Some even 

 claim that these feeds are in every way equal to 

 rich pastures. Where lands are high in value and 

 limited in quantity, the growing soiling crops often 

 displace the pasture system. Some who follow 

 the practice claim that the plan is even more satis- 

 factory and far less costly. And roots, even for 

 the dairy, but especially for all breeding stock, are 

 indispensable. Horses without carrots, sheep with- 

 out turnips; Hamlet without the ghost! 



Pastures will, no doubt, long remain important 

 in all sections where live stock are grown. Though 

 it is true that the pasture system calls for at least 

 twice the number of acres that are necessary where 

 the soiling system is followed, it must be remem- 

 bered that with pastures less labor is required, less 

 attention is needed for looking after the stock, and 

 the items of detail, incidental to soiling, do not 

 arise. For these reasons permanent pastures are to 

 be desired ; in fact, they will be increased and made 

 better. Where lands are exceptionally high in 

 value, the reason for the soiling system becomes 

 manifest at once ; but where lands are cheap, there 

 is no reason why the pasture should not be em- 

 ployed in the cheap production of pork or beef, or 

 why it should not enter very largely into the pro- 

 duction of dairy products. 



I believe in permanent pastures, but I believe in 

 good pastures. They are worthy of more attention 

 than they have received. If they have not done 



