134 . SUCCESSFUL FARMING 



that succeed in regions of continuous high temperature. There are, how- 

 ever, no regions in the world within the tropics that are especially promi- 

 nent for the production of meadows and pastures. These attain their 

 greatest perfection in temperate climates with abundant and well-distrib- 

 uted rainfall. England and Scotland represent the ideal conditions for 

 meadows and pastures. The range in variety of grasses and clovers makes 

 possible meadows and pastures which are more or less successful in all 

 parts of North America. Of course, there are considerable areas of sandy 

 soils, especially in the warmer sections, that are impracticable of utiliza- 

 tion in this way. 



Formation of Meadows and Pastures. — Since meadows and pastures 

 are to remain for a considerable period of time, the necessity of thorough 

 preparation for their establishment is more imperative than in case of 

 annual crops. The successful orchardist goes to much expense in the 

 preparation of land and the setting of trees for the orchard, realizing that 

 orcharding is a long-time proposition. The same policy is applicable in 

 case of permanent pastures or meadows. The shorter the period of time 

 that a meadow is to remain as such, the less will be the expense justified 

 in its establishment. 



The first consideration is the adaptation of the land for meadow or 

 pasture purposes. The value of the land and the possibility of its utiliza- 

 tion for other purposes should be considered. Consideration must also be 

 given to the variety and character of grasses adapted to the soil and climate 

 and that will meet the requirement of the livestock to be pastured. No 

 definite formula can be given, since conditions vary greatly. 



Preparation of Soil. — The preparation of the soil for either meadows or 

 pastures should begin at least a year in advance of the time of seeding. 

 There are two things essential to the establishment of grasses and clovers, 

 namely, absence from weeds and a good physical condition of the soil. 

 This may be provided by growing an inter-tilled crop which is given 

 thorough cultivation during the year preceding the seeding of grass. 



Organic matter in the soil is decidedly helpful for both grasses and 

 clovers, but not essential. In plowing for seeding grasses and clovers, 

 manure and organic matter should not be turned under too deeply, but 

 should be left as near the surface as possible. A thorough preparation of 

 the seed-bed is essential for both meadows and pastures. For meadows, 

 the soil should not only be thoroughly pulverized and made moist and 

 compact, but should also be level to facilitate cutting at a uniform height. 

 The presence of hummocks or depressions in a meadow means that some 

 of the plants will be cut close to the crowns and others cut far above. 



A moist, compact, finely-pulverized seed-bed is essential in pastures, 

 but it need not be necessarily level, since animals can graze with as much 

 satisfaction on uneven land. 



When seeding is to be made in August it is well to plow the land in 

 the spring. An occasional disking or harrowing during the summer will 



