ABOUT FRUITS, FLOWERS AND FARMING. 73 



Indeed, I know not but all, as my attention was drawn to 

 tliL-m particularly only since the fruit has been gathered. 

 The soil otherwise is little better than a pavement a kind 

 of fine gravel, in which scarcely anything takes root. 



" I was shown pots of wheat, in different stages of their 

 growth, that had been fed variously some upon the inor- 

 ganic matters they needed, according to the analyses of 

 their ashes others had merely shared the tribute of the 

 general soil. The results in numbers I don't yet know. In 

 appearance, no one could be at a loss to judge of what might 

 be expected." 



The fact that depopulated forest-grounds change the 

 character of their growth, is quite familiar to all ; and the 

 icasons of it have been variously debated. 



FODDER FOR CATTLE. 



ALTHOUGH the practice of soiling cattle, i. e. of cutting 

 their food daily and feeding it to them in a green state, 

 would be profitable to many small farmers, it is especially 

 to be recommended to those living in towns, where pastur- 

 age is distant and expensive. Where an immediate supply 

 is required, corn may be sown broadcast, and cut as wanted, 

 until it begins to tassel, when all should be cut and cured, 

 and the ground sown again, and a third time in the same 

 summer. 



But if half that is said of lucerne is true, and we see no 

 reason to doubt it, it is valuable far above all other kinds 

 of green fodder. It starts very early in spring ; may be 

 cut four times in a summer, yielding from four to nine tons 

 to the acre, acccording to the condition of the land. It is 

 much relished by cattle, imparts no bad flavor to milk, is a 

 very fattening food, and one sowing will last ten years. 



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