(60) 



thoroughly, sow the seed, brush as before, and then turn on the 

 stock. If it is desired to sow in the spring, in the latter part of 

 February or early in March; if not practicable sooner, harrow the 

 grain field, the ground having been well prepared in the fall sow- 

 ing, sow the seed and then turn stqck on the wheat, rye or barley, 

 as the case may be. Oat land may be sown in the same way. The 

 treading of the stock packs in the seeds and prevents the grass from 

 drying up in the summer heats, or freezing out in frosts. Dr. 

 Gordon considered an open, loose, porous surface to be unfavorable 

 to the safety of the young grass, but if packed as directed, the 

 grass will spring quickly up, get a firm hold, and the loose con- 

 dition of the sub-soil will favor the transmission of the roots to a 

 good depth. 



The after treatment is simple, and that is to allow no stock on 

 during the first year, but as soon as the seed stalks begin to shoot 

 up the next year, pasture it so closely that it cannot go to seed. 



Dr. Gordon differs in this respect from other authors, who allow 

 it to seed one time for purposes stated below. He would not let it 

 seed at all. His great success in this branch of agriculture will, 

 in every place where he is known, give weight to his authority. 



Others say no stock should go on it for at least two years, or at 

 least until after the first seeding, which will take place in June of 

 the second year. Some of the best blue -grass lots in Middle Ten- 

 nessee have been started by following either of the above plans. 

 Of one thing there cannot be a doubt, and that is the ground should 

 not be well broken up. On the surface it should be as firmly 

 packed as possible to secure a perfect stand, and form a perfect turf. 

 When the surface is too loose, the grass easily dries up and is much 

 easier frozen out, the seeds not going into a germinating depth. 

 Under favorable weather, seed sown in the spring on a crop of oats 

 will do as well as fall sowing. What is meant by favorable weather 

 is that no unusual dry weather supervenes. But there is always 

 the risk of meeting with unfavorable weather in spring sowing, and 

 on that account we would recommend sowing; in autumn. But it 

 is better the sowing should take place as early in the fall as the 

 weather will permit, or, indeed, the latter part of summer, if there 

 is a proper degree of moisture in the soil. Some farmers sow a 

 limited amount of seed daily, and over the same surface sprinkle 

 shelled corn, then turn on their hogs. They root in search of 



