11 



C UL TURAL Pre PAR A TIONS 



Ajmong the questions which need consideration before laying 

 down land to grass, probably not one has received less 

 attention than the condition of the soil. Grass is frequently 

 regarded as a last resource for thoroughly exhausted land 

 which no longer pays for the cultivation of any other crop. 

 It is too often assumed that grass wiU grow anywhere, and 

 under all circumstances. Although the old and wasteful 

 process of allowing land to ' go to grass ' is no longer advo- 

 cated to any extent, many farmers consider it sufficient to 

 harrow in a few seeds, and let them take their chance. The 

 practice is extremely mischievous, resulting in immense loss 

 of both time and money. No farm crop requires more care 

 in the preparation of the land than permanent grasses ; and 

 there cannot be greater foUy than to sow costly seeds, 

 especially of the finer varieties, on land which has not been 

 adequately prepared to receive them. 



The choice of land suitable for permanent pastin-e is 

 seldom open. Other circumstances than fitness for this pur- 

 pose generally determine the matter. But occasionally it does 

 happen that on some estate or farm there is a possibility of 

 selecting the fields which are to be turned into grass. The 

 guiding principles are few and simple. It may be accepted as 

 an established conclusion, that sharp sands and gravels are not 

 well adapted to the formation of pastures, but that heavy loams 

 and most strong clays are eminently suitable for grasses and 

 clovers, and wiU produce abundant crops. The fact that heavy 



