368 Laying down Clay-land intended for Permanent Pasture. 
mixture employed, but so worthless as the basis of a permanent 
pasture. 
It would be an important step in advance if the farmer were 
to become acquainted with the value and permanence of the 
best grasses, and see in their growth the best guarantee for his 
future crop, even though they want the beautiful appearance 
that a field of young rye-grass presents. 
The species of grass for permanent pasture having been fixed 
upon, it is of next importance to obtain true, pure, and good 
seed. The prepared mixtures should be avoided, not only 
because they contain species not suited for permanent pasture, 
but also because they cannot be made the subject of careful 
determination as to purity and goodness. 
A guarantee should be obtained from the merchant that the 
quantity purchased is true to the species wanted and specified, 
that it is free from weeds, and that a certain percentage of the 
seeds will germinate. Samples from the bulk should be ex- 
amined and tested by a competent person, and the completion 
of the purchase should depend upon the result of this examina- 
tion and trial. 
The seed should not be left on the surface of the ground, else 
it may not secure the moisture necessary for its germination, or 
when it has begun to germinate, and the delicate embryo has 
pushed its roots and stem through the covering of the seed, a 
continuous exposure of a few hours to the hot rays of the sun 
may kill it. On the other hand, if the seed be too deeply 
buried in the soil it will fail to germinate. A depth of from 
half an inch to an inch and a half is most suitable for the grasses 
that should be employed for permanent pastures. 
XX. — Laying down Clay-land intended for Permanent Pasture. 
By C. Randell, of Chadbury, Evesham. 
[In a Letter to the Consulting Botanist.] 
A SUCCESSION of unfavourable seasons affecting this description 
of land more than any other has forced upon landlords the con- 
sideration of the desirability of getting rid of the cost of cul- 
tivating such lands by laying it down to grass. This applies 
mainly to untenanted farms, for where tenants have continued 
in the occupation of farms consisting largely of heavy land, and 
have tried, in spite of adverse seasons, to keep up the condition 
of it, they have no desire to lay such land down to grass, unless 
it be an exceptionally bad piece. They know that with a 
return of better seasons all moderately good clay-land will pay 
