13 



able grasses on such pastures are injured or destroyed by the tramping 

 of cattle, whose hoofs penetrate the wet ground. 



An eminent German scientist has demonstrated that there is an intimate connection 

 between a warm, dry soil and economy in feeding cattle. Friable land absorbs more 

 beat than land which is saturated with moisture, and retains the heat for a longer 

 period. Upon the one, animals lie warmer, especially at night, than they do upon the 

 other. Now a largo portion of the food consumed by animals is utilized for the pro- 

 duction of the heat which is constantly dissipated from their bodies. It follows that 

 additional food becomes necessary to replace the animal heat lost by the colder sur- 

 roundings.* 



The Selection of Grasses. The selection of the proper kinds of grasses 

 to be employed for meadows or pastures must depend on several cir- 

 cumstances, such as soil, drainage, habit of growth, productions, etc. 

 No one kind of grass can be expected to be adapted to all conditions, 

 neither can any given mixture of grasses. There has been a great 

 amount of empiricism in this matter. One man finds a certain grass to 

 be very thrifty and productive on his farm, and thinks he has found the 

 great desideratum, and at once proclaims his grass, perhaps gives it a 

 new name, and recommends its use, without regard to the conditions or 

 circumstances which may be absolutely essential to its success. 



Others purchase seed of the new grass, perhaps at exorbitant prices, 

 and without a knowledge of its peculiar habits or wants, give it a trial 

 and find it a failure, probably because climate or soil, or other essential 

 conditions are unsuitable to its wants. 



Mr. Sutton, writing on this subject, says : 



The whole question is one of experience, and I am well persuaded that those who 

 possess the largest knowledge, drawn from the widest sources, will concur in the 

 opinion that each individual case should be considered independently and upon its 

 own merits. I would lay great stress upon the necessity of starting with a clear under- 

 standing of the condition and capability of the soil. The subsoil, too, must be taken 

 into account ; for sooner or later its influence will tell decisively upon the existence 

 of certain grasses. 



Then the purpose of the grass crop must not be overlooked. Whether it is chiefly 

 for hay or entirely for grazing will prove an important consideration in determining 

 the sorts to be sown. Even the kind of cattle the land is intended to carry is worth 

 more than a passing thought. Milch cows, fattening stock, sheep, and horses, or a 

 combination of these animals, can be provided for if a definite object is held steadily 

 in view. 



In an old and well-settled country there is much accumulated experi- 

 ence among farmers, which a beginner may avail himself of to the avoid- 

 ance of serious mistakes. Still an observing and progressive man will 

 often find occasion for a departure from established rules and practices 

 in the introduction of new kinds for cultivation ; indeed it is only thus 

 that progress and improvement can be made ; but it will also be wise to 

 make such experiments with caution aud without incurring too much risk. 



In some portions of our country the experience of the past is very 

 unsatisfactory with respect to grass culture ; and in other portions, as 



* Sutton on Permanent and Temporary Pastures. 



