252 MANAGEMENT OF MEADOWS. 



In the great meadows of the North Western and New 

 England States where grass culture has been practiced for 

 years it has been demonstrated often that the admixture of 

 several varieties increases many fold the yield of grass, even 

 if not wanted for pasturage. It secures an early stand, and 

 if the ground fails to suit one species another will nourish, 

 and thus, all vacant spots are covered. These spots of 

 even an inch or two may seem insignificant, but when they 

 are multiplied all over a large field they will materially 

 affect the yield. The crop is made up of single stalks, and 

 every stem is of importance in the aggregation. 



While we have the best evidence of the good effects of 

 sowing several varieties together, it is strange that farmers 

 of enlarged and intelligent experience will persist in putting 

 down only one kind, unless it be to save seed. No man 

 who has gone over a timothy or orchard grass meadow can 

 Lelp but notice the many vacancies that could be filled. 

 These often occur from freezes, the heat of the sun, birds, 

 defective seed and incompatibility of soils. This would 

 certainly not be the case if attention was directed to its pre- 

 vention. Nature sets the example, and as a rule she is 

 found to be the most trustworthy teacher. 



It is sometimes the case that the land is exactly suited to 

 timothy, herds grass or clover, and by sowing these to- 

 gether, or even separate, we succeed in covering the ground* 

 but this is rarely found to be the case. 



It should be kept in mind in the selection of seeds to 

 put those together that will blossom at the same time, unless 

 it is intended for a pasture, in which case the reverse should 

 be considered, for then it is best to so arrange it so as to have 

 a succession of ripening crops, and the stock can be sup- 

 plied throughout the year with such grasses as will be 

 young, tender and succulent. But in the case of meadows 

 it is desirable only to have such as will ripen together, as 

 otherwise those cut too green will lose greatly by shrinkage. 

 Another care to be thought of, is to put down grasses as 

 nearly alike as possible as regards the aftermath. 



