424 On Grass Land. 



by the shade, smother, and putrefaction, arising from a 

 weighty crop of this article ( 348 ). It is more calculated how- 

 ever, for strong soils, than for those which are loose and 

 sandy. It will thrive on the former, even when jiot in a 

 very fertile state, if sufficiently pulverized. 



To insure a continuance of this fertility, in succeeding 

 rotations, it is of great advantage, to give a deep ploughing 

 to the summer fallow, or turnip crop that is taken, prepara- 

 tory to the crop of clover. This has been proved in nume- 

 rous instances ( 349 ) 



The cultivation of red clover, is too well known, to re- 

 quire being detailed in this place. The propriety of mixing 

 other seeds with it, has been questioned ; though some think 

 the mixture of a small quantity of timothy grass, and cocks- 

 foot, is of great advantage, and more especially of rye-grass, 

 which, being an early plant, serves as a nurse, or assistant, 

 to protect the young clover from the severities of the sea- 

 son ( 35 ). Rye-grass, if cut young, is not exhausting; it is 

 rather of use in converting the clover into hay, and it im- 

 proves the quality of the food, when cut for soiling, bringing 

 it earlier forward ( 351 ). This may render it more necessary 

 in Scotland than in England. It likewise greatly improves 

 the quality of the hay for working horses, rendering it more 

 strengthening and substantial. 



The most important particulars connected with the cul- 

 ture of red clover are, 1. The soiling process ; 2. Con- 

 verting it into hay ; 3, Feeding it ; and, 4. Retaining it in 

 pasture. 



Soiling. By this term is meant, the feeding of stock in a 

 house, shed, or fold, with cut green food, instead of making 

 the grass into hay, or depasturing the field. 



Various articles are used for that purpose in this country, 

 as tares, lucern, and meadow-grass ; also barley, rye, oats, 

 and beans, all in a green state ; but red clover, either alone, 

 or mixed with rye-grass, is the substance most commonly 

 applied ( 35 *). 



Soiling is attended with the following advantages : 1. 

 The saving of land ; 2. Advantages to the fences ; 3. 

 The saving of food ; 4. The improvement of stock ; 5. 

 The greater product of milk ; 6. Increasing the quantity, 

 and improving the quality of manure ; and, 7. Obtaining 

 a higher value for the produce of the soil ( 3S3 ) 



1. The Saving of Land. Exaggerated accounts have been 

 given of the saving of land. Some have contended, that it 

 is as one to seven, if not more. By accurate experiments, 



