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Now, so far as the constitution of old meadows differs from 

 that of those newly seeded, we find that the differences are 

 precisely similar to those of pastures. The same series of 

 changes takes place but other species of grasses may figure in 

 the change. But they too need much manuring unless the 

 fertility is kept up by irrigation, either natural or artificial. 

 Hay is an exhausting crop, because we take so much from the 

 soil. 



Some considerations upon the subject of pasturage in gen- 

 eral may be of interest here. Many of our farmers, but more 

 particularly in the fertile Western States, are apt to lose sight 

 of the real value of pasturage, in their more exclusive grain 

 raising habits. The following remarks by Boussingault, on 

 pasturage in general, are worthy of thought : " In those 

 countries, the nature of whose climate is favorable to pastur- 

 age, the rearing of cattle presents immense advantages, but 

 the animals can be best fattened in those that are most fertile. 

 The pasture that suffices for the growth and keep of a bullock, 

 will not always bring the animal into condition for the butcher. 

 Those countries where the climate is moist, and long drouths 

 rarely felt, where neither summer heats nor winter colds are 

 excessive, the conditions in fact which are met with in the 

 beautiful pasture lands of England in especial, are those that 

 prove most favorable to the rearing and feeding of cattle. 

 The pasture lands of Normandy and Brittany in France, of 

 Switzerland, Holland, and several provinces watered by the 

 Rhine, are also remarkable for their luxuriant herbage. In 

 such situations and with such advantages the grand object of 

 the farmer is the production and fattening of cattle." 



" Wherever it has been possible to lay down extensive and 

 productive meadows, it is now beginning to be clearly under- 

 stood that the introduction of even the best system of rotation 

 were to make a false application of agricultural science. In 

 my opinion, there is no system of rotation, however well con- 

 ceived and carried out, which will stand comparison in point 

 of productiveness, with a natural meadow, favorably situated 

 and properly attended to. The reason of this is obvious and 

 follows from the very principles which we have laid down 

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