THE GRASS QUESTION. 207 



mixtures. Let it be understood, the object of mixing 

 varieties of grass seeds is manifold ; for instance, to 

 insure a more numerous stand of plants, for some varie- 

 ties may germinate better than others ; then, again, that 

 some varieties be succulent and bright, when others are 

 dingy, and for pasturage this is a very important con- 

 sideration. Another good reason is, that soils vary so 

 much and seasons vary so much, that it is best, in seed- 

 ing down a pasturage, to diversify the risks. 



The deliberate mixing of distinct varieties of vege- 

 table or flower seeds is looked upon, by all men, as a 

 fraud of the worst kind, but the intelligent mixing of 

 distinct varieties of grass seeds is an art which should 

 be encouraged, for, properly done, it is in the interest 

 of agriculture's most important crop green pasturage 

 and hay. Upon the length of time which it is contem- 

 plated to allow the pasturage to stand, depends, to a 

 large extent, the varieties of grass seeds to mix, as, for 

 example, Timothy, Italian Rye grass, Cocksfoot, White 

 and Alsike clover are all very quick to develop, and suit- 

 able for a two or three years' shift, while, for a longer 

 term, should be added Blue grass, Red Top, Foxtail, 

 Tall Fescue, Perennial Rye, Lucerne and Red clover. 



While the limestone soils of Kentucky and Ten- 

 nessee will sustain, in full vigor, a pure Blue grass pas- 

 turage for a lifetime, few soils in other localities will be 

 found equal to the task. On soils not suited to Blue 

 grass alone, good temporary pasturage of two to five 

 years' duration can be obtained, with a careful selection 

 of varieties and satisfactory results, realized under a well- 

 considered system of rotation. When one departs from 

 the usual course of sowing Timothy with winter grain, 

 to be followed with Clover in the spring, it is not a 

 cheap matter to lay down a perfect pasture, hay field or 

 lawn, for the preparation of the land is expensive, and a 

 combination of varieties generally more costly than the 

 simple varieties of Timothy and Clover. 



