OF GRASS LANDS. 205 



them in condition, that we offer the fohowing suggestions. 

 And, first, 



§ 1 . Of Pastures. 



The evils that are experienced in pasture grounds, are, 

 the gradual disappearance of the best grasses ; the growth 

 of mosses and weeds in their stead ; and the prevalence 

 of coarse herbage, which cattle reject, in situations where 

 there exists a superabundance of moisture. Wherever 

 there are stagnant waters, as upon flat surfaces that abound 

 in springs, or which have a superficial soil upon a tena- 

 cious subsoil, the herbage is not only mainly rejected by 

 the stock, but the pasture is unhealthy, particularly to 

 sheep ; but it is remarked, that if the water is in continued 

 motion, as is generally the case upon the dechvities of 

 hills and mountains, ill consequences do not so often re- 

 sult. 



To remedy the evils we have enumerated, and to im- 

 prove the value of pasture grounds, one or more of the 

 following expedients maybe resorted to, viz., sowing and 

 harrowing in grass-seeds, scarifying, bushing, draining, 

 manuring, top-dressing with marl, lime, or ashes. 



Grass-seed may be sown either in September or April, 

 followed by the harrow, and, if practicable, by the roller. 

 The harrow partially extirpates the mosses, breaks and 

 pulverizes the surface, and buries the seeds ; and the roller 

 presses the earth to the seeds, and smooths the surface. 

 The bush harrow is to be preferred. This may be con- 

 structed by interweaving some strong, but phant branches 

 of trees through the open squares of a heavy harrow, which 

 thus forms an efficient brush, and when drawn over the 

 ground performs its duty perfectly during a short distance ; 

 but the branches, being pressed close, and worn by the 

 motion, soon become so flat as not to have the effect of 

 spreading the earth thrown upon the surface by earth- 

 worms, ground-mice, or ants. It is therefore recom- 

 mended, in ' British Husbandry,' as a better mode, to fix 

 the branches upright in a frame, placed in the front part 

 of the carriage of the roller ; by which means they can 

 be so placed as to sweep the ground effectually, and when 

 18 XV. 



