CHAP. X. INCONVENIENCES OF SOILING. 1Q7 



least 20 Ibs. This may either be drilled or sown broadcast, preferably 

 the latter, provided care be taken to ensure even distribution. The 

 great point is to get the ground well covered, and if this be done 

 successfully weeds will be smothered and the plant will be sure to take 

 care of itself. It has been recommended to drill wide apart, and then 

 cultivate with the hoe an endless expense which I think unnecessary. 

 A word of caution as to close grazing by sheep must here be added. It 

 is much better to allow the crop to grow and fold them on it than to 

 graze it as you would clover or sainfoin, because by the former system 

 the surface weeds are kept down. I have said nothing about manuring, 

 but, although it is doubtful if artificials are much use, a good dressing of 

 farmyard manure, rendered free of the seeds of weeds by turning and 

 well fermenting the heap, and put on in the previous autumn, will 

 assist the young plants to start a rapid growth. With the liberal 

 treatment advised, two fairly good crops will be produced the first 

 year." 



In two or three years the crop will take care of itself. But while 

 there is no question as to the value of the crop, it must be admitted 

 that there is a difficulty in inducing it to grow on some soils. De- 

 ficiency of lime, in some cases the cause of failure, may be met by 

 chalking or liming the land. As for other difficulties, a small quantity 

 of soil from a good lucerne field spread over the land has removed 

 them in most trials, and it may prove that the easier plan of inocu- 

 lating the seed with a culture of the proper bacteria, such as Professor 

 Bottomley sends out, would succeed. 



The facts and inferences above stated fully prove the advantages of 

 soiling. It ought not, however, to be concealed, that there are some 

 inconveniences attendant on the soiling and stall-feeding of cattle, such 

 as the additional labour and expense incurred by cutting and carting 

 the green vegetables home to the sheds, both in winter and summer ; 

 but these are more than counterbalanced by the saving in food that is 

 effected by the increased productiveness of the land and the diminished 

 waste by the thriving of the cattle the making of the dung under 

 cover, and having reservoirs in which to preserve the urine. Under 

 proper management one good acre of turnips will produce an excellent 

 dressing of manure for at least an acre of land, and, with a very small 

 portion of hay, will completely winter-fatten an ox of fifty score pounds. 

 If fed on the land, two acres of tolerable grass may fatten an ox; but 

 not so well, nor will he make flesh so rapidly, if exposed to the 

 weather in all seasons, as if kept dry and moderately warm ; the dress- 

 ing, also, will be very partial and precarious. 



It has also been objected, that where large quantities of food are 

 accumulated for a prolonged time they are liable to fermentation, and 

 of course to waste. Such is the case with cabbages, turnips, and other 

 roots, but it may to a very considerable degree be obviated, by paying 

 due regard to the storing of the various vegetable crops, and their 

 economical consumption. 



It has likewise been objected by the opponents of soiling and stall- 

 feeding, that the cattle are heated by being confined during the summer 



