On Salt Marsh. 273 



— 



The grub worms* were very prolific under the salt grass 

 sod, and attacked the seed as well as many of the stalks. 

 Two lots, together about twenty acres, had been sown 

 with timothy and clover ; others with herd- grass. The 

 two first were flourishing while nourished by the show- 

 ers of spring ; but the summer sun acting upon a dry 

 surface of dying salt grass roots, communicated too much 

 heat to the young fresh grass, which perished. It must be 

 difficult, at any season, for new grass to obtain a footing 

 among the established roots of the natives, which already, 

 reach the moisture so necessary for the sustenance of all ; 

 and the former will not dispossess the latter, until these 

 are destroyed by being constantly exposed to the sun, 

 and deprived of the superabundant water on which their 

 existence depends. Where herd-grass had been sown, 

 it took well, and was pastured ; the ground improved as 

 it settled by the weight of cattle. Herd-grass was not so 

 much injured by superfluous water, as were other fresh 

 grasses. This meadow is now as good for pasture or 

 mowing as any other ; having improved every year. 



The third fall arrives — more ditches have been cut — 

 fresh weeds have spread over the ground, instead of salt 

 and sedge grass, to a greater extent than before. It was 

 concluded to let the property to the halves — owners pay- 

 ing for scouring the ditches. The Germans are tired of 

 working with oxen — refuse to work to the shares — are 

 discouraged ; and the lots are let to people of the neigh- 



* If these grubs were of the same species with our upland 

 corn grub ; this is a curious fact. Salt and salt water, in nume- 

 rous instances, have destroyed the common grub in our corn 

 fields. R. p, 



2U 



