IMPROVING PASTURE LANDS. 99 



are embodied which may be useful for the consideration of those of 

 us who have deteriorated pastures. 



The writer of this was gratified to learn that one of the Trustees 

 was about to try the effect of sheep grazing upon old pastures, and 

 has great confidence in the success of the experiment. 



As practical experience is more satisfactory than theoretical 

 speculations, the writer will only relate the experience he has had 

 in the amelioration of pasture lands, which, though only partially 

 applied on a small scale, may lead to more extended and satisfac- 

 tory experiments. 



In the early part of the summer of 1853, guano mixed with an 

 equal quantity of plaster, was applied as a top dressing to pasture 

 lands, with some visible effect on the herbage for that season and 

 extended in a smaller degree to the present summer, but not in 

 sufiicient improvement to continue the experiment under similar 

 circumstances ; it being applied after the spring rains. 



Plaster has also been applied on the surface, without any marked 

 effect. Leeched ashes has also been used as a top dressing, with 

 more marked benefit than either of the others, and had the effect of 

 eradicating moss and introGUcing white clover, and materially in- 

 creasing the grass where applied. 



Some small experiments in scarifying the surface, and scattering 

 grass seed over it have also been made, with results rather encour- 

 aging. With tools adapted to the purpose, it is believed, much may 

 be done in this way to improve and renovate our worn-out pastures. 



This subject commends itself to the Committee as deserving the 

 continued, if not increased, attention of the Society ; and it is hoped 

 that the farmers of Essex may be stimulated to increased efforts to 

 improve in this branch of husbandry. 



JOSIAH LITTLE, Chairman. 



JONATHAN BERRY'S STATEMENT. 



The piece of land which I offer for your inspection, containing 

 some six or seven acres, when I purchased the farm in 1841, was 

 of little or no value, as it was nearly covered with alder, blue- 

 berry bushes, lambkill, brakes, besides rocks in any quantity. In 

 the first place, I subdued the alders by mowing ; I then removed 



