HOW TO GROW GOOD GRASSES. 99 



weight of hay; but what there is both of hay and 

 grass would be much improved, and would become 

 capable of carrying better stock. 



The following reply* of Mr. Bailey Denton to some 

 objectors to draining in Middlesex is, we think, much 

 to the point on this important subject : — 



Mr. Denton stated that he had heen recently over the estate of 

 Lord Northwick, near Harrow, in company with the noble lord and 

 some friends and tenants. On that occasion the question of the 

 reluctance of hay farmers to drain the land was discussed, and the 

 farmers said that as they always had a great deal of custom in 

 London for hay, of whatever quality it was, they did not seek so 

 much for quality as for quantity, and consequently did not think it 

 worth while to drain the land for feeding purposes, although they 

 admitted that draining made the herbage sweeter and better for 

 cattle. The present system, under which the grass-land of the 

 Harrow district had been cultivated for many years, alike im- 

 poverished the hay farmers and the land ; and he was of opinion that 

 if drained, the latter would produce grass of a much better quality, 

 and equally as much in quantity. He thought a good plan would be 

 to feed off part of the laud and put the other into hay. 



If asked what would be our criteria as to the 

 necessity of draining, we should say stagnant water 

 at any time. 



Plants, however, afford evidence to be depended 

 upon ; as thus take the indications of a few weeds 

 common to wet meadows : — 



Sedges 1 Show a want of 



Rushes )- thorough drainage. 



Bull-pates and other coarse Grasses J "j Perhaps partial or grip 



Devil's-bit Scabious drainage may do. 



Buttercups ( R. acris) | Perhaps less haymaking 



Lousewort 1 J and more manure is 



Field Orchids [_ indicated, and drain- 

 Cowslips i ing may be done 



Moss J without. 



Discussion Royal Agricultural Society, March 21, 18G3. 



I 



