(75) • 



that ought to be put on an acre. This arises from the dif- 

 ference in the capacity of the land, some soils, being rich, 

 dry, and porous, will stand much heavier grazing than others. 

 It is safer to err on the safe side, and it is better to put in 

 too few than too many. If stock are fattened quickly, they 

 are more remunerative than when fattened slowly. Then, 

 when one lot is sold out, they can be replaced by others. 

 Ordinarily, two acres of good grass are requisite for one 

 three- year-old ox, and what will fatten one ox will fatten 

 ten head of sheep. 



Blue grass should be allowed to go to seed once or twice, 

 or until the ground is well set or turfed over, and then 

 never more. It is a grass that propagates itself by its creep- 

 ing roots or rhizomes, and it is the disposition of all plants 

 and animals to lose vitality in the process of reproduction. 



Though perennial, its vitality may be greatly lowered by 

 the effort of reproduction, so that it may He dormant for 

 some time afterward, before starting again its vigorous 

 growth. Stock should be kept out at seeding time, or be- 

 fore, in fact, so as not to eat down the seed stalks. 



It sometimes happens that dry weather sets in during the 

 summer months, and the grass becomes so dry it will burn. 

 Still stock will greedily eat it. The grass having dried full 

 of nourishing juices, it is equal to the best of hay, and 

 stock will still fatten upon it unless the dried grass has been 

 drenched with rains. 



The fall growth of some lots should be kept untouched 

 by stock, and in this way a finfe winter pasturage will be 

 secured. The grass will get high enough to fall over and 

 protect the surface foliage, and stock will keep up their flesh 

 on it during the winter without feed. When snows fall, 

 cattle will require to be fed, but horses, mules, and sheep 

 will paw off the snow, unless it is too deep, and get at the 

 grass. It is the first deciduous plant that puts forth its 

 leaves in the spring. Good fat lambs can be sent into the 

 market earlier than from any other grass. It makes milk 



