PEEMANENT AND TEMPOEAEY 

 PASTUEES. 



oXXo 



The Extension of Pastures. 



The ' Agricultural Eeturns ' issued from the Agricultural Depart- 

 ment of the Privy Council Office record an increase of 3,598,539 

 acres of permanent grass in Great Britain alone between 1871 and 

 1887 inclusive.^ During the Avhole seventeen years the progress 

 of the movement has been uninterrupted, the highest figure 

 being attained in 1871 with 362,586 acres, and the lowest in 

 1885 with 51,658 acres. ^ The average for the entire period is 

 211,678 acres, and the following statement shows the advance in 

 each year.' 



In 1871 

 1872 

 1873 

 1874 

 1875 

 1876 

 1877 

 1878 

 1879 



260,235 acres 

 216,438 

 178,278 

 243,698 

 225,447 

 51,658 = 

 192,801 

 136,116 



These figures are exclusive of clovers and grasses grown 

 as rotation crops, which in 1887 amounted in Great Britain to 



' It must unfortunately be admitted that a proportion of this vast acreage has heea 

 allowed to ' go to grass ' unaided, in consequence of the inability of owners or occupiers to 

 oultivate it. 



^ The increase for 1885 is understated ; see pages 13 and 14 of AgricuUwal Setumx 

 for 1886. 



' Perhaps it is scarcely necessary to remark that the advance recorded in each year is 

 the result of sowings made in the preceding season. As a rule, grass seeds are sown upoii 

 corn, and in the year of sowing the return is made under wheat, oats, or barley. 



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