Experiences up to the end of October, 1904. 163 



take into consideration the old maxim, " Two courses given, when in 

 doubt choose the safest," and add to that the Scotch saying, that 

 " there is no use swallowing the cow and choking on the tail," I am 

 inclined to agree with the great Arthur Young, who, as I have pointed 

 out, said that whatever system may be pursued in laying down land 

 to grass, the most essential thing is plenty of seed. It should be 

 considered in especial that where a farmer is laying down land to lie for 

 from four to six years he should take every precaution to insure success, 

 as if his grass turns out to be a partial failure, owing to a defective 

 season requiring more seed than would be sufficient for a good one, all 

 his plans would be injuriously affected, as he would obtain less hay, 

 less grazing, and a much inferior turf wherewith to feed the subsequent 

 crops of the rotation. I have, however, asked Mr. Hun ter to let mo 

 know the cheapest mixtures he could recommend, including deep- 

 rooted plants, and, after a good deal of consideration, he has submitted 

 the following : — 



Gkasses and Clovers, with addition of Chicory and Burnet, to lay down 

 Land to Grass for two years (excluding the year in which the seeds 

 are sown). 



Cocksfoot Grass 



Meadow Fescue 



Tall Oat Grass 



Italian Ryegrass 



Perennial Rycgriiss ... 



Timothy Grass 



White Clover 



Alsike Clover 



Perennial Bed Clover. 



Kidney Vetch 



Chicory 



Burnet 



Quantity 

 per 

 acre. 



4 lb.' 



4 ,, 



2 ,. 



4 ., 



4 ,, 



1 ',', 



1 ,. 

 2i„ 

 24 „ 



2 ,. 

 4 ., 



33 lb. 



Number of 



germinating 



seeds 



per acre. 



1,618,800 

 931.6(iO 

 248,400 



1,068,400 

 866,320 



2,587,200 

 717,360 

 703,640 

 634,100 

 472,860 

 569,500 

 269,200 



10,660,330 



The average price for the above seeds, of finest guaranteed quality, 

 would be about 20s 3d per acre. 



