Hecent lEx2>ei'iences in laying down Land to Grass. 131 
IFor Schedule of Questions, seepage 126.] 
Mr. James Strattox — continued. 
5. Italian ryegrass helps to keep the hmd firm, which is essential to the 
growth of grass seeds, and it continues through seedings, &c., to remain in 
the pasture, adding much to the crop of wholesome grass. 
6 and 7. I think it economical to sow in a corn crop in spring-time. 
8. 1 recommend that only cattle shoidd he pastured on new grass during 
the first autumn and winter : their treading does much good if the land is 
fairly dry. They should he eating cotton-cake. A dressing during the 
winter of fresh-made muck, made by cattle eating cake, will have established 
your pasture, after which you can do what you like, gradually spoil it by 
mowing or folding off sheep from it, or continue to improve it as I have 
directed. I have experienced both systems. It does not matter whether 
you feed sheep or cattle, but both should be eating cake. 
■ 10. I think that winter-feeding by sheep tends to reduce the clover 
plant. 
11. One, managed as I have said. 
12. I have good pasture formed from worn-out sainfoin, and also where 
it has been laid down full of couch. This land was naturally good, it was 
well fenced, and a good drinking place made, and stocked with cattle eating 
cake, &c. 
13. Yes. 
14. Yes, unless the land in question is well fenced, has a good water 
supply, and is conveniently situated as accommodation pasture. 
15. I have laid down about 2,000 acres of arable to gi-ass ; the foregoing 
remarks are founded upon my experience. 
Mr. William C, Little, Stags Bolt, March. 
I am sorry I cannot give any information on this subject, as I have had 
no experience in the matter. I have this year attempted to lay down one 
small field, but it is too early to say anything as to the result. Very little 
laud has in this neighboiu-hood been converted into pasture. Until quite 
recently there was a rage for ploughing up old grass lauds for the purpose 
of growing such crops as brown mustard and potatoes, and with our dry 
climate there is very little disposition or inducement to lay land down for ' 
more than two or three years. 
Mr, Charles Howard, Biddenham, near Bedford. 
1 . Heavy clay and stonebrash. 
2. All drained some years since, but a large portion tile-drained about 
five or six years ago. 
3. About 22 inches. 
4 and 5. 2 pecks perennial ryegrass, ^ peck Italian ryegi-ass, 2 lbs. 
timothy, 2 lbs. cocksfoot, 8 lbs. white clover, 2 lbs. red clover. This 
mixture has been frequently used in this neighbourhood, and has answered 
very well. 
G. "With a com crop. 
7. Prefer spring sowing, but have seen some good pieces sown in the 
autumn. 
8. I believe it is better to mow the new grassland the first year. I 
mowed a portion of a large field the first year and grazed the remainder ; 
there is no doubt that which was mown is better pasture than the other. 
I have grazed it with cattle nnd sheep. 
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