And Improvement 6f Soils. 193 



the ploughing in July and Augubt expose so many of 

 its bulbs to the sun that few shoots cire to be icund in 

 oats sown for fall pasture. 



4th. It is an easy and profitable way of clearing grain- 

 fields from every species of injurious weeds; as it will 

 convert them into vegetable soil, and enable the farmer 

 to raise whatever grain or grass he shall judge most 

 suitable to the soil. 



5th. It will save the expence of a fruitless summer 

 fallow, and the green herbage will aid the dairy. 



6th. It enriches the farm from within itself, and no 

 expence is required beyond the reach of any farmer : 

 by rising one hour earlier, and working one hour later 

 than usual, for two weeks, he may plough, and sow 

 two acres, as an experiment. The pasture will recom- 

 pence his labour, while his soil is greatly improved ; it 

 is equally evident, tliat the fertility of the soil is ac- 

 quired, partly from the roots of the oats, opening the 

 soil and introducing the air, and warmth, of the sun, 

 and partly, froj]^ accession of vegetable soil, produced 

 from the decomposed roots of such pasturage ; but 

 even before the roots are converted into soil, they pro- 

 duce the most beneficial effects. Those from the spring 

 sowing, retain the moisture, and supply the summer sow- 

 ing with it. The roots from the fall pasturage, being full 

 of sap, introduce winter frosts every where, into the soil, 

 which sw^elling with the congealation, separates the parti- 

 cles ; for it is to be observed, that roots while the stem is 

 eaten down by the stalk, do not become hard but are 

 more numerous, than when the plant is matured into 

 grain. It is however necessary to sow at least double 

 the quantity of seed, to that required for crops of grain, 



VOL. II. B b 



