GRASSES. 1 39 



practice, are these : the preparation given to the soil 

 for the grain crop, which is exactly that best fitted for 

 the clover; the protection given by the grain to the 

 young clover, against the combined effects of heat and 

 dryness ; the improved condition in which it leaves the 

 soil for subsequent culture. In this practice, however, a 

 less quantity of grain must be sown than usual, because 

 without ventilation, the clover plants will perish. It is 

 frequently sown in the spring, on winter grain ; but in 

 this way it often happens that the seeds do not grow, 

 owing to their not being covered. This difficulty ma}^, 

 however, be obviated, by giving the ground a brushing, 

 where it is rough ; or a light harrowing where it is 

 smooth ; either of which methods, but particularly the 

 latter, will be a benefit to the growth of wheat or rye. 

 It may also be sown with grain in the fall ; but there is 

 danger in that case of its being killed by the succeeding 

 winter. Some recommend sowing half in the fall with 

 the grain, and half on a light snow in March. It is in- 

 dispensable to a good crop ; that the seed be good ; and 

 regularly and equally sown. The tests of good seed 

 are; its comparative size and weight, its plumpness, its 

 yellow or purple colour, its glossy skin, and lastly its 

 cleanness, or separation from other seeds and from dirt. 

 About twelve or fourteen pounds is a suitable quantity 

 for an acre. 



Clover should never be cut the first season, nor fed 

 close ; but the second season, it should be cut when in 

 full bloom, and before the heads begin to turn brown. 

 It is thought best to exclude sheep and horses from clov- 

 er, unless intended for pasturage only. The cutting- 

 and curing, if the crop is heavy, is very nice and criti- 

 cal farming. After being cut in dry weather it should 

 remain in the "swarth till it is dried about two-thirds its 

 thickness; it is then not stre-a^cd^ but turned over; the 

 hay should be as little shaken or scattered about as pos- 

 sible ; and raked up before night. The next day it must 

 be opened, turned once or twice, af}d cocked up again. 

 It the weat«;er permits, it will be im})roved by standing 

 one or two days more before housing. If it is housed 

 without using these precautions to prevent heating, the 

 application of salt will be important ; or interpose be- 

 tween two layers of clover, one of clean straw. By 



