THE AFTER MANAGEMENT OF CLOVERS AND PASTURES. 37 
It is a matter for regret when this precaution is neglected, 
as is so often the case. Asa general rule, in re-sowing more 
regard is paid to the farmer’s convenience than to the special 
circumstances of each individual case, and then astonishment 
is expressed that the layers have not done better. 
We would here impress upon our readers the importance of 
the roll and the scythe, which may well be designated “the 
seedlings’ friends.” The roll consolidates the land, and 
enables young grasses to get a grip on the soil, which is 
essential to their welfare; at the same time it retards the 
growth of speargrass. 
The scythe, provided it does not cut too closely, cannot be 
used too often. With it are destroyed thistles, poppy, charlock, 
and other annuals and weeds, whilst its use strengthens the 
growth of young grasses and clovers, which require checking 
when they exhibit signs of the very weakening process of 
flowering. It is easily observed how dwarfed are those plants 
which flower or seed too early. 
From the foregoing remarks one would rightly judge that as 
soon as the layers can be got at, they should be freely swept 
with the scythe, and rolled whenever necessary. 
On a one year’s ley, sown with rapid growing and coarse 
grass seeds, it is well known that if the seedlings flower in the 
autumn there will be but a poor crop in the summer when it is 
required. 
Many argue that the layer will be more benefited by feeding 
it with cattle or sheep in preference to using the scythe, but 
we would remind them that the moisture which causes the 
superfluous growth at the same time softens the soil, and the 
weight of cattle will jam up the land, and squeeze in and 
bruise the tender young clovers and grasses, much to their 
detriment. So far as sheep are concerned, they are, if any- 
thing, worse than cattle, for although they may not bruise and 
jam in the seedlings so severely or fatally, yet they do more 
