CHAPTER IV, 

 LA^DS DOWN TO GRASS. 



In order that the roots of the grass plants may 

 penetrate to such a depth below the surface as to be 

 out of danger from the effects of heat and evaporation 

 during the summer, a good depth of mould is requis- 

 ite ; and, on this account, it is better that the lands 

 designed for grass, especially where they are to be 

 preserved in a permanent state of sward, should in- 

 cline in some degree to moisture, or be rather reten- 

 tive of it, so as to keep that humidity which is 

 essential to the healthy and vigorous growth of 

 plants, without running the risk of being destroyed 

 by putrefying at the roots, from too much stagnant 

 water enveloping them. On this principle, it is chiefly 

 that the more light and dry descriptions of soil are 

 better adapted to the production of grain than for 

 that of permanent grass. 



In the laying down of lands to grass, the plants 

 must be suited to the quality of the soil, as some de- 

 light more in moisture than others ; some succeed the 

 best in clayey soils, others in those of a loamy kind ; 

 some on such as partake of the nature of peat, and a 

 few in the calcareous sort. 



