266 Ofi Draining. 



diture. I entertain no doubt of receiving on this ex- 

 pence, with the original cost of the ground, which was 

 jS 5 per acre, (a great deal more than it was worth in 

 its natural state) not less than 40 per cent yearly. In 

 places where the ashes made from burning the tussocks 

 can be carted off, a part of the expence will be repaid 

 by the value of these ashes, as a manure. I have found 

 them little inferior to wood ashes. The most profitable 

 application of them appears to be, as a top dressing on 

 grass. They are of little value, returned upon the 

 ground, whence the tussocks were taken; for if this 

 kind of soil is only made dry, and properly prepared 

 to receive the seed, nothing farther seems wanted to 

 render it productive. It does not seem proper that 

 cattle should by any means be allow^ed to pasture on 

 this kind of ground, not only because they would injure 

 the drains, but their trampling also, would too much 

 consolidate the loose spongy soil, and render cultiva- 

 tion necessary to renew the grass. A kind of grass that 

 would continue long without requiring to be renewed, 

 would be a great acquisition. The herd grass possesses 

 the first quality, but wants the latter. Clover, from the 

 experiment I have made, does admirably, but we know 

 it will wear out in a few years. From the experience 

 I have had, I think it probable, the after growth of herd 

 grass may be profitably fed off by sheep put up to fat- 

 ten in the fall of the year. The drains are all yet open 

 except a small one, which was covered nearly two years 

 ago by brush being laid in the bottom, and the sods 

 and earth taken out of the drain, spread over them. 

 This appears as yet to ansvrer well, and is very cheap. 



