228 THE RYEGRASS CROP. 



are given of the Ayrshire farms of Myremill, Cunning 

 Park, Lagg, and others, where ryegrass is grown and irri- 

 gated by fixed pipes and apparatus. On these different 

 farms, soils varying from stiff clays down to a light sand 

 were being successfuly cultivated, the system of irriga- 

 tion transforming completely the character of the usual 

 farming of the district. 



The expense attending this addition of pumps, pipes, 

 and other fixed apparatus, to the usual working "plant" 

 of the farm, must of course be taken into considera- 

 tion, and charged against the crops. These, however, 

 taking an average estimate of them, show such a large 

 balance in favour of the system, as to leave little doubt 

 as to its advantages wherever circumstances are favour- 

 able to its adoption. Mr. Dickenson's annual produce 

 was stated at 80 to 90 tons per acre ; and this has been 

 practically confirmed by the occupiers of the farms just 

 mentioned, who, although they do not take so many cut- 

 tings in the course of the year from their crops, obtain a 

 proportionate amount of produce. The expenses of tanks, 

 pumps, pipes, &c., are of course affected by local circum- 

 stances, by the extent of the work, and by the price of 

 materials ; from 3 to 5 per acre, however, would give a 

 range sufficient to meet all probable contingent outlay. 



The enormous produce obtained, and the rapid growth 

 of the crop, by this system of irrigation, would lead us 

 to consider that the increased bulk was due in a great 

 measure to an increased proportion of water in the plant, 

 and that it must not be looked upon as of equal nu- 

 tritive value. This is no doubt true, and when cut for hay 

 the produce of dried hay is less, bulk for bulk, than that 

 made from ryegrass grown in the ordinary manner. These 

 points have been examined by Dr. Anderson, who found 

 not only that the irrigated plant contained a larger per- 

 centage of water, but that its constituents varied in their 



