LUCERNE, OR FRENCH CLOVER. 157 



at the time, we have since thought more of the causes 

 that produce this singular state of the soil in such 

 situations. 



It is ascertained if hme be spread on the surface in 

 pasture gromids, it gradually sinks down beneath the 

 surface, so that in a dozen years it may be found buried 

 in the soil several inches deep. A correspondent of 

 the N. E. Farmer ascribes this to the labors of insects 

 in the ground. Ants and other animals innumerable 

 are constantly digging in the earth, and it is natural 

 for them to bring to the surface their little burdens, as 

 we may daily notice among the tribes of ants. 



Millions of these animals are destroyed in the open 

 fields, and it is reasonable to suppose that when they 

 obtain a shelter under flat rocks, or stone walls, they 

 labor in greater security and accomplish more. By 

 constantly turning over the particles they seek, the 

 lime and other materials not relished by them are 

 naturally sunk deeper into the soil ; and under walls, 

 being more protected from the inclemency of the 

 weather, they may be supposed to multiply faster, 

 and to be continually undermining and rendering 

 hghter the mould under the centre of these shelters, 

 making these places more accessible than others to the 

 roots of the trees and other plants. 



LUCERNE, OR FRENCH CLOVER. 



We have found this grass difficult of cultivation. It 

 requires a rich soil, and in that the weeds usually get 

 the start the first season and choke the grass. It is 

 said to be necessary to weed it by hand the first season, 

 and afterwards it will take care of itself. We once 

 cultivated a small patch of it, which grew and yielded 

 as abundantly as we had expected from the usual de- 

 scriptions given of it ; but we have had do success when 

 14* 



