86 PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY PASTURES 



the better. The object to be secured is that as many seeds as 

 possible shall be thinly covered with soil. Grass seeds will 

 germinate and become established when they are merely 

 pressed upon the surface of the eai-th, provided they are not 

 consumed by birds or scorched under a hot sun. But many 

 seeds will fail to germinate at a greater depth than half an inch. 

 Hence the necessity of a fine soil and shallow sowing. 



The roller must promptly follow the harrow, and it makes 

 a better and more certain finish to go over the ground twice 

 in different directions with a roller of moderate weight than to 

 accomplish the task at one stroke with a heavier implement. 

 The importance of this part of the work will be made apparent 

 if any spots are missed by the roller, for on those spots no grass 

 will appear. 



A good plant may often be obtained by rolling with the 

 Cambridge or ring roller. Then sow the seed, and after- 

 wards cross the land once or twice with the ordinary smooth 

 roller. 



Sowing grass seeds by the seed-drill is a modern practice, 

 and for light sandy soils, especially in a dry spring, it has 

 decided advantages. Under favourable conditions drilled seeds 

 germinate freely, and endure summer drought when surface- 

 sown seeds become malted. The covered drills afford pro- 

 tection from direct sunshine, the seeds have more certain 

 access to moisture, and on corn that has grown too high in 

 spring to render broadcasting a safe procedure the drill 

 may often be available. In any case the coulters should 

 be carefully adjusted for shallow sowing, and must be set as 

 closely as possible. Sowing at two operations should also 

 be regarded as a necessity. The harrow wiU not be requisite 

 after drilling, but the importance of rolling firmly down is 

 of even greater consequence than when seeds are got in by the 

 hand or seed-barrow. 



Hard and fast rules cannot be laid down as to the time 

 for sowing. In a great measure it depends on the weather. 



