46 PASTURES AND PASTURE PLANTS CHAP IV 



3 years, for pasturage). Red clover, Alsike clover and Timothy (for 2 or 

 3 years. 



Other mixtures can easily be prepared by adding to the last mentioned 

 White clover. Trefoil, Cocksfoot, Tall oat-grass and Lucerne. 



AVhen calculating the quantities of various seeds required, allowance must 

 be made for complexity of mixture, as e.xplained on page 41. 



To last 2, or 4 years 



Relative Proportions. — Leguminous species should not form more 

 than \ of the plant of any temporary pasture intended to last for more 

 than 3 years. 



Selection of Species. — Red clover — with Alsike and White clover — 

 will constitute the bulk of leguminous plants, as Trefoil is seldom eaten by 

 stock. 



Proper proportions of the most enduring perennial grasses, such as 

 Cocksfoot, Meadow fescue and Meadow foxtail, and suitable quantities of 

 bottom, middle and top-grasses must be added to utilise the soil completely. 

 Not more than 5 per cent, of Italian rye-grass should be used in any mixture, 

 as its disappearance after the second year may cause gaps in the herbage. 

 Though Perennial rye-grass endures for longer periods than the Italian 

 variety, not more than 10 per cent, of it ought to be employed. 



Duration. — By liberal annual applications of liquid manure, the duration 

 of the pasture may generally be profitably extended to 5 or 6 years ; but, 

 otherwise, it is necessary to break up the ley the fourth year, preparatory to 

 taking a succession of other crops. 



Permanent Pastures 



Introductory. — Permanent grass is preferable to temporary pastures 

 in very stiff, compact soils, which are difficult to work, on lands exposed to 

 occasional floodings, and in districts unfavourable to the growth of cereals. 



Relative Proportions.^Legurainous species ought not to constitute 

 more than 20 per cent, of the plant of any permanent pasture. 



Selection of Species. — Short-lived plants should be excluded to pre- 

 vent deterioration and, possibly, failure after the third or fourth year. For 

 this reason not more than 5 per cent, of Perennial rye-grass is admissible under 

 any circumstances in permanent mixtures; and, indeed, it is well to omit 

 even this small proportion on light lands. There is no period of deterioration 

 in pastures laid down only with the best and most enduring species, such as 

 Cocksfoot, Meadow fescue, Meadow foxtail. Tall fescue, Timothy, the 

 Meadow-grasses (especially Rough-stalked Meadow-grass), White clover and 

 a little Yarrow ; and, generally speaking, these thrive where any pasture plants 

 flourish. 



