The Manatjement of Grass Land. 
15 
sufficient time is allowed for establishing the roots previous to the 
dry or hot weather setting in. The process is certainly rather 
tedious, though it is simple when understood. The arable land 
having been beautifully prepared and made even, the turf is then 
supplied from the selected pasture, which, if intended for future 
arable culture, is all removed by the operation of a common 
parmg plough at the depth of about 2^ inches, and about 8 inches 
wide ; it is then (by various means) cut into pieces of about 3 or 
4 inches square, and planted from 6 to 9 inches apart, according 
to the quality of the soil. Care is taken to plant the grassy side 
uppermost and to press it well into the ground : it is a good 
system to place the foot upon it in due succession, taking care to 
have no more turf cut each day than can be planted before night. 
If the transplanted turf be deficient in any one or more favourite 
grasses, they should be sown over the new pasture in April. Par- 
ticular attention is required in rolling these pastures at proper 
intervals, and when the ground is in proper temper (between wet 
and di-y), which will cause the plants to extend themselves along 
the surface rather than to rise in tufts, as otherwise they would be 
apt to do. No stock should be placed upon them until they have 
shed their seeds ; indeed, the pasturing should be very moderate 
until the mother grass plants and their young progeny have united 
and formed a compact turf. It is found that I acre of pasture 
land, prepared upon the plan previously named, will inoculate 
9 of arable if judiciously performed. The expense of the 
operation alone is about 50s. per statute acre. Should the field 
whence the turf has been taken be required to remain in per- 
manent pasture, only a portion of the turf is removed in shreds 
by the plough, leaving a sufficiency of turf for again uniting to 
form a perfect sward or pasture. Some adopt the plan of improv- 
ing old pasture lands by giving them a dressing of compost during 
the spring months, and then dibble in a few tares, and at the same 
time sow a small quantity of mixed clover and grass seeds, by 
which means the sheep in feeding off the tares fasten the young 
grasses, and the pasture becomes renewed and improved. 
The plan of partially inoculating old grass lands is practised by 
some, and to good effect : the process is performed by raising the 
natural turf, and inserting other selected turf from the best lands, 
which may be performed to any extent according to local circum- 
stances. 
The meadow ground, or that portion of the grass lands usually 
under hay culture, differs materially in its management, and is 
very varied in its character, as regards soil, situation, and local 
habits, and claims to be treated under their separate heads, viz. 
the meadow, the upland jneadow, and the water meadow. In 
nearly every district, by far the greater proportion of the perennial 
