Preparatory Tillage. 



The fact is now much more generally appreciated than formerly 

 that it pays to bring land into the best of tilth in preparation for 

 seeding. Careful plowing followed by numerous harrowings will- in 

 almost all cases be necessary. The soil at the time of seeding should 

 be fine and mellow at the top and moderately compact below. 

 Wherever it is possible, ploughing should precede the seeding by a 

 few weeks at least, and between the date of ploughing and seeding, 

 the field should be harrowed a number of times. Fall ploughing is 

 generally preferable to spring plowing if the land is to be seeded in 

 the spring. 



Varieties of Grass and Clover to be Used. 

 No attempt will be made here to consider the characteristics of 

 the different species of grasses and clovers. The most generally 

 useful mixture will be made up about as follows per acre: — 

 Timothy, i8 pounds 



Fancy re-cleaned red top, 8 " 



Alsike clover, 4 " 



Mammoth red clover, 4 " 



This mixture is suited for mowings on all medium and heavy soils 

 which are occasionally broken up and put into hoed crops. 



For lighter soils, and especially where it is desirable to leave the 

 mowing down to grass for a considerable number of years, the fol- 

 lowing mixture is reconmiended per acre : — 



Orchard grass, 15 pounds 



Tall oat grass, 5 " 



Italian rye grass, 5 " 



Awnless brome grass, 5 " 



Common red clover, 6 " 



For medium soils, especially where it is desirable to leave the 

 mowing down to grass for a number of years, the following mixture 

 is recommended per acre : — 



Orchard grass, 8 pounds 



Italian rye grass, 3 •' 



Yellow oat grass, 4 " 



Meadow fescue, 10 " 



Red clover, 5 " 



Alsike clover, 4 " 



In the purchase of grass and clover seeds, it is of much importance 

 to pay particular attention to the quality. It is wise to obtain sam- 

 ples and to examine them, or to have them examined by the experi- 

 ment station with a view to determining, not only the germinating 

 quality, but whether there is an admixture of weed seeds. In the 

 purchase of clover, it is now especially important to be on guard 

 against dodder. Dodder is a parasite which, if it once obtains a 

 foothold in a field of clover, will soon render it valueless. Dodder 

 seed, unfortunately, appears to be found with increasing frequency 

 in samples of clover and alfalfa seeds offered in the markets. 



