MEADOWS AND PASTURES 137 



The time of seeding is subject to considerable latitude, but there are 

 two seasons of the year that generally give best results. These are very 

 early in the spring or rather late in the summer. These two seasons will be 

 subject to some modification, depending upon weather conditions. It 

 is wise to seed when the soil is in a good moisture condition so as to insure 

 quick germination. As a rule, it is not advisable in case of summer seeding 

 to seed just before a heavy rain. Such a rain compacts the soil and the 

 hot weather that is likely to follow will form a crust that the small plants 

 cannot penetrate. Seeds deposited in a dry soil may be germinated by a 

 light shower followed by dry weather that will cause the small plants to 

 perish. 



Grasses seeded in summer may be broadcasted on a well-prepared 

 seed-bed immediately following the harrow. One additional harrowing 

 will sift the seeds down into the soil and effect a satisfactory covering. If 

 the soil is dry the first harrowing may be followed by the plank drag. This 

 will mash the small clods, compact the soil, bring the moisture nearer 

 the surface and germinate the seed. 



The manner of seeding depends largely on seasonal condition of the 

 soil and character of grass-seed mixture. Grasses and clovers are generally 

 sown broadcast. There are a number of forms of seeders. The grass-seed 

 attachment to the grain drill predominates where fall seeding with wheat 

 occurs. It is also extensively used where the drill is used for spring seeding 

 of oats. The wheelbarrow seeder and the hand seeder are extensively used 

 when seeded alone or on grain fields where drills are not employed. Slant- 

 toothed spike harrows are most generally used for covering the seed when 

 broadcasted in this way. Brush harrows are sometimes used when the 

 seed is very small and the seed-bed very mellow. This avoids covering 

 too deeply. In any case, implements should be used that do not tend to 

 drag trash or soil and result in bunching the seed. Much seeding is done 

 in the winter and very early spring which calls for no covering. In this 

 case the seed is covered by the freezing and thawing of the soil and by rains 

 and winds. 



Late fall and early spring seeding usually takes place with a nurse 

 crop. In this way the cost of seed-bed preparation is charged chiefly to 

 the grain. This is the cheapest possible way of seeding grass other than 

 that of sowing it in the spring to be covered by the freezing and thawing and 

 rains. The nature of the nurse crop is important. Moderately thin seeding 

 and the use of early varieties generally favor a good catch of grass. 



Seeding without a nurse crop calls for especially well-prepared seed- 

 bed and freedom from weeds. Such seeding generally does best in the late 

 summer. 



Treatment of Meadows and Pastures. — Of all the farm crops, the 

 meadows and pastures are probably the most neglected. Meadows 

 usually receive more care and attention than pastures. The treatment 

 accorded meadows will consist chiefly: (1) in the application of manures 



