ON SOWING DOWN LAND TO PASTURE 



IT 



after, the period of brairding, than of the more robust produce of the larger seeds ; while 

 a considerable number of the former become entirely lost in consequence of an overdepth 

 of covering. As an exemplification of this, we subjoin the following table, by J. D. 

 Stirling, Esq., of Glenbervie, in Vol. XV. of the "Transactions of the Highland and Agri- 

 cultural Society of Scotland," on the results of experiments to prove the best depth of 

 cover for certain grasses and clovers. 



In all cases the seeds enumerated in the following Table were sown on the ist of July 

 and counted early in the following month. 



The above results were arrived at by sowing the seeds in finely sifted dark loam, which 

 was kept moist during the whole period of germination. To these circumstances, the fact 

 of so many seeds brairding without cover is no doubt attributable ; but as in ordinary field 

 sowing such a combination of favourable circumstances, as to soil and moisture, cannot be 

 looked for, a slight covering of earth is always desirable. 



It is not our purpose here to discuss the question, as to whether it is better to sow 

 grass seeds for permanent pasture with or without a corn crop. Both systems have their 

 advocates, as well as their advantages and defects, and depend, in a great measure, on the 

 varied circumstances which present themselves in practice. Therefore, in the following 

 Tables, separate columns are given for each of these methods ; it being always expedient 

 to sow a somewhat larger portion of seeds without, than with, a corn crop ; and in that 

 case, it is further advisable, for affording shelter to the young plants, to add a bushel of 

 rye to the mixture, when sown in autumn, and a bushel of barley, when sown in spring 

 to be depastured or cut green along with the young grass crop. 



