THE HAY-FIELD AND ENGLISH HAY. 179 



kainite, with some available phosphoric acid (four potassium 

 oxide to one phosphoric acid) , for these salines absorb in a 

 high degree moisture from the air, and economize the inherent 

 moisture of the soil by making the latter more retentive in 

 that direction. 



A liberal state of fertility of the soil is an indispensable 

 requirement for a successful production and propagation of 

 our most valuable grasses. 



Quite frequently the entire character of the growth upon 

 grass lands has been improved by changing from a scanty 

 to a liberal manuring, without any assistance from new 

 seeds. Those grasses which are best adapted to the altered 

 conditions of the soil take the lead. 



Some of our most reputed grasses differ widely in regard 

 to their preference for one or the other condition of soil and 

 of cHmate. Careful local observations furnish, therefore, 

 most valuable information reojardino: a selection of o-rasses 

 for cultivation which promises satisfactory results under ex- 

 isting local circumstances. 



A higher degree of local adaptation, under otherwise cor- 

 responding circumstances, often changes materially the com- 

 parative economical value of different species and varieties 

 of grasses. 



The nutritive value of one and the same species or variety 

 of grasses is liable to differ in a more serious degree, when 

 raised under more or less advantageous circumstances, than 

 many of our more reputed meadow grasses are represented 

 to differ among themselves, when raised under conditions 

 which favor their successful growth. 



The same relation has been noticed as far as quantity is 

 concerned. 



The comparative nutritive value of one grass as compared 

 with another can only then be considered fairly established 

 when each has been raised under circumstances which best 

 promote their complete development. 



The well-known great diversity of special wants of many 

 of our prominent grasses renders the existence of equally 

 favorable local conditions, for even a limited number of dif- 

 ferent grasses, rather an exception, than the rule. 



Many of our current reports on experiments with grasses 



