MANAGEMENT OF MEADOWS. 269 



perfectly smooth before the seeds are sown a light brushing 

 does very well, but if it is not, a roller is preferable, as it 

 will not cover so deeply as a brush. Remember that all 

 seeds covered two inches deep will not germinate. If sown 

 with grain, smooth the ground over with a brush after the 

 grain is sown, and let a hand follow immediately behind and 

 cast the seed into the brush. Never use a heavy thin 

 brush, but if the limbs are full of twigs it will not mat- 

 ter as to weight. Then it will not cover too deeply. 



It may be necessary, and generally is, to roll the land in the 

 spring, especially if the meadow is a stiff clay soil, as the 

 frosts of winter will usually heave up most of the soil, 

 thereby carrying up roots and earth, and unless it is packed 

 in again the succeeding droughts will surely destroy the grass. 

 All these directions are not to be taken as applying to every 

 locality, or situation, for as a difference of soil and climate 

 affects the results, so only can experience, controlled by 

 reason, govern the complete details of this, or any other 

 species of planting. 



CUTTING, CUEING AND STORING HAY. 



There has been, and still is more differences of opinion 

 among hay farmers, as to the proper time of cutting, than 

 upon any other point connected with hay. There are 

 different times for the different varieties, but as a rule there 

 should be but one way. The time of flowering is, unques- 

 tionably, the general indication for the harvest to begin. 

 At this time the saccharine juices that go to the formation 

 and development of the seed, are stored in the stalk and 

 leaves, and if saved then, they will loose only their watery 

 constituents, and the grass will be as palatable and succu- 

 lent as when standing, and will be eaten clean by all kinds 

 of stock. 



Still, some wait until the pollen falls and the seeds are in 

 the milk, and those practising this plan contend that the hay 

 not scour the horses so badly, But there is another 



