154 THE OX AND THE DAIRY. 



roots, however, when cut and steamed, are rendered more 

 nutritious. Parsnips are also treated in the same way, and 

 also potatoes. 



From these roots we may turn to the artificial grasses (as 

 they are commonly, but erroneously called), of which several 

 are of the highest importance to the cattle-keeper. Among 

 these lucern (Medicago sativa) is pre-eminent. This plant 

 one of the leguminous family was in high repute in ancient 

 times, and is spoken of with great commendation by the 

 writers on agricultural topics ; nor has it lost its celebrity in 

 the present day, and wherever husbandry has made progress 

 it is largely cultivated, granting the soil and the climate to be 

 suitable. Where these are favourable lucern grows with 

 astonishing rapidity and luxuriance ; but as it will not bear 

 extreme frost, nor flourish on a poor, cold, wet soil, nor yet 

 on sterile, stony ground, the farmer must exercise discretion. 

 Deep rich loam, which has been previously trenched and well 

 manured, is rather light, and thoroughly drained, is the best ; 

 and the produce of every such acre will be astonishing. Its 

 growth is singularly rapid that of clover is not to be com 

 pared to it : a tuft of lucern will rise to a foot above the sur- 

 face, after being mown, in the time that clover will rise only 

 a few inches. It lasts from eight to twelve years, striking its 

 roots deep into the soil, where they are out of the reach of 

 drought; and in the most parched and sultry weather, when 

 the herbage around languishes or withers for want of 

 moisture, the lucern rises fresh, green, and vigorous. Its 

 great bane is a wet subsoil ; this must be dry and rich, 

 and the surface must be clear of weeds. Land on which two 

 successive crops of turnips have been raised, and which have 

 been fed off with sheep, when well prepared, gives a good return 

 of lucern. In the Month of March the sowing should take 

 place. A small quantity of barley, perhaps a bushel to the 

 acre, should be drilled into the ground, and at the same time 

 from thirty to forty pounds of the lucern seed sown broad 

 cast ; the ground must be now harrowed and lightly rolled, 

 so as to lay it flat and even, without water furrows. 



When the crop appears it must be well weeded, otherwise 

 there is a great probability that it will fail. When the barley 

 is reaped, the stubble should be eradicated either by the hoe 

 or the harrow ; at least this is a good practice, especially 

 if the plants of lucern be strong. In a short time it may be 

 cut as fodder, but sheep should not be depastured on it, as they 



