105 



The 



Management and Improvement 

 OF Old Grass Land. 



In 1872 there appeared in the Eoyal Agricultural Society's 

 Journal an account by Mr. R. H. Thompson of a personal in- 

 spection of the grass lands of England and Ireland. His laborious 

 journey included visits to the most famous grazing districts, and 

 it was undertaken when farmers were at the height of their 

 prosperity. The following are his conclusions : — 



' 1st. That although very excellent management is to be met 

 with in parts of our best grazing districts in Leicester- 

 shire, Northamptonshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset- 

 shire, and several other counties, this must be con- 

 sidered quite exceptional, and the treatment of the 

 bulk of the grass lands of the country is very un- 

 satisfactory. 



' 2nd. That our grass lands, if properly managed, would be 

 easily able to meet the demand made upon them for 

 an increased production of meat, even if the supply 

 required were greatly in excess of the present rate of 

 consumption. 



' 3rd. That money judiciously laid out in improving grass 

 land makes a better return than money laid out on 

 arable land.' 



These remarkable statements are as worthy of profound atten- 

 tion from those who possess old pastures, as from those who 

 contemplate laying away arable land to grass. Unfortunately, 



