37 



where local conditions indicated an exceptional state of moisture. 

 The tiles in the branch ditches varied from two to four inches in 

 diameter. A stone drain ten by twenty feet wide and four feet 

 deep served as a filter for the turbid water coming from the adjoin- 

 ing hillsides in case of heavy rains, before entering the tile drains. 

 The surface ditch ran up to the stone drain, to prevent a general 

 overflow of the meadow in case of exceptional rainfalls, etc. The 

 deep, swampy places were filled up in part with stones and earth, 

 or earth, as circumstances advised. The entire area was sub- 

 sequently ploughed deep and left in that state over winter. The 

 succeeding spring a wheel harrow was used to break up the rotten 

 sod. The soil was subsequently ploughed and harrowed repeatedly, 

 until it showed the desirable mechanical condition required for a 

 successful cultivation of summer grain crops. 



Barley and oats were chosen as the first crops. Both were 

 seeded in drills, with rows two feet apart, to permit a thorough 

 destruction of an objectionable foul growth by frequent use of the 

 cultivator and hoe. 



As soon as these crops were harvested, one ton of wood ashes 

 per acre was ploughed in, to assist in the disintegration of the 

 excess of organic peaty matter, and to serve as a general fertilizer. 

 After ploughing and smoothing the surface by means of a brush 

 harrow, the entire area was seeded down, in September, into grass, 

 to serve as a permanent meadow. The more elevated portions of 

 the field were seeded down with the following mixture of grass 

 seeds, at the rate of from two to two and one-half bushels per 

 acre : — 



Two bushels herd's grass {Phleum pratense) . 



Two bushels red top (Agrostis vulgaris). 



Two bushels Kentucky blue-grass {Poa pratensis). 



Two bushels meadow fescue {Festuca pratensis). 



Five pounds sweet-scented vernal grass {Anthoxanthum odoratum). 



The lower and still more wet portion of the meadow was seeded 

 down with the following mixture of grass seeds : — 



Twenty pounds soft brome grass {Bromus mollis). 



Twelve pounds herd's grass (Phleum pralense). 



Nine pounds i"ed fescue {Festuca rubra) 



Eight pounds fowl meadow grass {Poa serotina). 



Seven pounds Rhode Island bent {Agrostis vulgaris). 



Six pounds orchard grass (Dactylis glomerala). 



Five pounds crested dog-tail {Cynosarus cristatus). 



Four pounds meadow soft grass {Holcus lanatics). 



Two pounds sweet-scented vernal grass {Anthoxanthum odoratum). 



