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MESSRS. J. B. LAWES AND J. H. GILBERT ON THE RESULTS OF 
dry substance of the second and less matured produce, than in that of the first and 
more matured. The removal of the second crops, indeed, is a considerably greater 
drain upon the resources of the soil than might be judged from the comparatively small 
amounts of the produce. It is evident, too, that the actual and relative amounts of 
second crop depend not only on the balance of available constituents remaining within 
the soil, and on the climatal conditions, but also on the variety, and the unexhausted 
condition, of the plants themselves which are comprised in the mixed herbage. 
Influence of Season on the Produce of Hay. 
In the foregoing discussion of the produce of both the first and the second crops of 
hay, the influence of variation in the climatal characters of the different seasons has 
been disregarded as far as practicable, with the object of bringing to view as promi¬ 
nently as possible the characteristic effects of the different manures as shown by the 
results obtained over series of various seasons. The object now will be to endeavour 
to trace the connexion between certain measurable characters of season on the one 
hand, and the luxuriance or sluggishness of growth of the mixed herbage on the other, 
with comparatively little reference to the effects of the different manures. 
Common observation recognises a general connexion between the characters of the 
weather as to moisture, heat, and light, and the luxuriance or the scantiness of vegeta¬ 
tion. When, however, we come to compare the amounts of growth in different seasons 
with the usual meteorological records of the period, we at once discern how complicated 
is the connexion, and how inadequate are such records for a full explanation of the 
differences of result obtained in different seasons. 
As we have said elsewhere: “ It is obvious that different seasons will differ almost 
infinitely at each succeeding period of their advance, and that, with each variation, the 
character of development of the plant will also vary, tending to luxuriance, or to 
maturation, that is, to quantity, or to quality, as the case may be. Hence, only a 
very detailed consideration of climatic statistics, taken together with careful periodic 
observations in the field, can afford a really clear perception of the comiexion between 
the ever-fluctuating characters of season and the equally fluctuating characters of 
growth and produce. It is, in fact, the distribution of the various elements making- 
up the season, them mutual adaptations, and their adaptation to the stage of growth 
of the plant, which throughout influence the tendency to produce quantity or quality. 
It not unfrequently happens, too, that some passing conditions, not indicated by a 
summary of the meteorological registry, may affect the crop very strikingly ; and thus 
the cause will be overlooked, unless careful observations be also made, and the stage of 
progress, and tendencies of growth, of the crop itself at the time, be likewise taken into 
account.” Again : “ Those characters of season which are very unfavourable for land 
in poor condition, may be favourable to land in high condition, and vice versa.” 
