26 PEEMANENT AND TEMPOEAEY PASTUEES. 



should be considered independently and upon its own merits. I 

 would lay great stress upon the necessity of starting with a clear 

 understanding of the condition and capabilities of the soil. The 

 subsoil, too, must be taken into account, for sooner or later its 

 influence will tell decisively upon the existence of certain grasses.. 

 Then the purpose of the crop must not be overlooked. Whether 

 it is chiefly for hay, or entirely for grazing, will prove an im- 

 portant consideration in determining the sorts to be sown. Even 

 the kind of cattle the land is intended to carry is worth more 

 than a passing thought. Milch cows, fatting stock, sheep and 

 horses, or a combination of these animals, can be provided for if 

 proper care be taken in the selection of grasses and clovers. 



I propose to describe the various plants, seeds of which are 

 generally sown for permanent pastures and alternate husbandry, 

 stating their relative value and fitness for certain purposes, to- 

 gether with such other particulars as wiU indicate the sorts and 

 proportions to be used on the difierent soils and under the con- 

 ditions usually prevaiUng in this country. I can scarcely hope 

 to render it a very easy matter to make the selection in any case ; 

 the subject is much too complex for that. But I am anxious, as 

 far as may He in my power, to prevent a repetition of the costly 

 blunders which have too often been made in this branch of 

 British agriculture. 



