CHAPTER XLI. 



GRASSES AND CLOVERS FOR TEMPORARY AND 

 PERMANENT PASTURES. 



I. The seeds of the grasses and clovers are very extensively 

 mixed and sown for the purpose of forming temporary and 

 permanent pastures. The constitution of these mixtures, both 

 in regard to the choice of the species of plants to be used 

 and the amount of seed of each species to be sown, is at 

 present a matter upon which there exists great difference ot 

 opinion. Nevertheless there are certain general principles for 

 guidance in the choice of grasses and clovers for particular 

 purposes, which it is useful to point out. 



No rational, satisfactory, or economic use can be made of 

 any species of grass or clover unless its character in regard to 

 the following points is understood : — 



(i) Durability. — Some grasses, such as Italian rye-grass, are 

 annual, and die off after seeding once ; while others, such as 

 meadow foxtail and cocksfoot, are perennial. No hard and fast 

 line exists among plants in regard to their duration (see p. 5), 

 as the time during which they live is dependent on climate, soil, 

 and the treatment which they receive : for present purposes, 

 however, they may be divided into (a) those which are short- 

 lived and suitable only for one, two, or three years' duration, 

 and (f) those which are permanent and adapted for use in 

 pastures to be kept down for longer periods. 



(ii) Rapidity of growth after sowing. — Many grasses reach 



their highest state of development in the first or second year. 



This is generally true of the less permanent plants, such as the 



rye-grasses, tall oat-grass and red clover. Others, such as cocks- 



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