CULTURAL PREPARATIONS. 17 



after the most earnest effort ; but no one sliould lay himself 

 open to the possibility of self-reproacli for having contributed 

 to partial failure by neglect. More of the failures in attempt- 

 ing to create pastures could, if all the facts were known, be 

 traced directly to the unfavourable state of the soil, and to its 

 previous cultivation, than is generally believed, and it is true 

 wisdom, as well as sound economy, to wait a year, or even 

 two years, rather than risk sowing upon soil which is foul or 

 out of condition. 



The bare fallow, however, will be the exception ; as a rule it 

 cannot be afforded. In the interests of the coming pasture, a 

 root crop is the next best preparation, and unless the land is 

 capable of growing a first-class crop of roots it will be incom- 

 petent to produce even a fair pasture. Now a root crop offers 

 this advantage, that, while few are disposed to manure a bare 

 fallow heavily, a tliorough dressing of farm-yard dung will not be 

 denied to the mangels or swedes. To the young grasses also it 

 is a great gain when the land can be made rich and put into good 

 heart before the sowing takes place, in ]:)reference to their being 

 dependent on manuring processes immediately before or after the 

 seed is put in. The tender and delicate roots of young grasses 

 may be seriously impaired by contact witli crude raw manure, 

 and the growth of the plants injuriously retarded. Whereas they 

 will readily assimilate a rich dressing given in the previous year, 

 which has had time to become mellow, or to be absorbed into 

 the staple. 



Supposing land is prepared by feeding off a ci'op of turnips 

 with sheep, it may happen that the turnips have to be sup- 

 plemented with meadow hay. If so, it is important that the hay 

 should be only such as has been cut very early, otherwise the 

 ripe seeds of the grasses will pass the sheep undigested, and in 

 due time spring up and make the pasture foul. Such a grass as 

 Holcus lanatus and other worthless varieties often find their vva;y 

 into a pasture in this maimer. 



Whether the roots are fed ofi' during September or October 



