188 NORTH-CAROLINA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. 



eral rule, where the red clover succeeds, it may also be ex- 

 pected that the crimson clover will succeed also. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



Methods by which the valuable grasses may be cultivated successfully 

 Soiling, and its advantages. 



* 



116. In this State it is important in the first place to se- 

 lect the proper field for the cultivation of grass which it is de- 

 signed to cut for winter fodder. It appears to the writer that 

 as summer heat and drouth are the greatest obstacles to the 

 successful cultivation of grass and hay, that such fields should 

 be selected as suffer the least from the operation of these 

 causes. Hence it is believed that the meadows and low 

 grounds which are bordered by permanent streams and which 

 are naturally quite wet, but may be laid comparatively dry 

 are the most suitable for grass lands. The first work which is 

 required, is to drain the field thoroughly by ditching. Fields 

 of this description are invariably supplied with a rich bottom, 

 which is capable of furnishing an indefinite amount of nutri- 

 ment, or sufficient to sustain crops of hay for years in succes- 

 sion, and being also supplied with water which percolates 

 through the lower strata of earth, are little liable to suffer 

 from summer droughts. Besides, these low, fiat meadows 

 may be cheaply irrigated if necessary. Irrigation is also one 

 of the cheapest and most effectual means by which nutriment 

 may be conveyed to the grass. The great object, however, 

 to be attained in the selection of such field, is that of securing 

 a cool and moist soil, for many of the best grasses are 

 found flourishing under those conditions, though they by no 

 means grow in wet bogs or swamps. Timothy, one of the 

 best of the Northern grasses, grows best in a moist soil. 



