408 On Grass Land. 



corn crops, that it seldom proves good grass land after- 

 ,wards ( 3 ^> In answer to these objections, it has been 

 urged, that where, from the richness of the soil, there is 

 any risk of sowing a full crop of corn, less seed Js used, 

 even as low as one-third of the usual quantity ; and that a 

 moderate crop of grain, protects the young plants of grass 

 from the rays of a hot sun, and prevents the moisture in the 

 soil from being evaporated. 



Where the two crops are united, barley is the preferable 

 grain, except on peat. Barley has a tendency to loosen the 

 texture of the ground in which it grows, rendering it favour- 

 able to the vegetation of grass-seeds. On peat, a crop of oats 

 is to be preferred ( 3 4 ). Some recommend sowing grass 

 seeds and rape together, to be fed off by sheep in the au- 

 tumn. 



7. The manner of sowing the grass-seeds also, requires 

 to be particularly attended to. Machines have been invent- 

 ed for that purpose, which answer well, but they are unfor- 

 tunately too expensive for the generality of farmers. It is a 

 laad system, to mix seeds of different plants before sowing 

 them, in order to have the fewer casts. It is better, to sow 

 each sort separately, for the expense of going several times 

 over the ground, is nothing, compared to the benefit of 

 having each sort equally distributed. The seeds of grasses 

 being so light, ought never to be sown in a windy day, ex- 

 cept by machinery, an equal delivery being a point of great 

 consequence. Wet weather ought likewise to be avoided, 

 as the least degree of poaching is injurious. Grass-seeds 

 ought to be well harrowed and rolled, according to the na- 

 ture of the soil ( 305 ). 



8. When the corn is carried off, the young crop of grass 

 should be but little fed during autumn, and that only in dry 

 weather, or in frost. The grass should be heavily rolled in 

 the following spring, in order to press the soil home to the 

 .roots. It is then to be treated as permanent pasture ( 3o6 ). 



By attention to these particulars, the far greater propor- 

 tion of the meadows and pastures in the kingdom, of an in- 

 ferior, or even medium quality, may be broken up, not only 

 with safety, but with great profit to all concerned. 



Permanent Meadows and Pastures. 



There are various sorts of grass-land, the breaking up of 

 which has been objected to, particularly water-meadows, 

 salt, and other marshes; lands apt to be overflowed by 



