Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/201

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These are to be mixed together, and about three bushels of them sown on an acre, in rows, so that they may be more conveniently hoed; in consequence of which they will vegetate with greater luxuriance. Towards the end of August, or early in September, it will be necessary to weed and thin the grasses occasionally, and also to roll them in the spring; an operation by which such roots as may have been raised by the frost, will be pressed into the ground. Mr. is farther of opinion, that the meadow fox-tail, and roughish meadow-grasses, are best adapted to moist soils; the smooth-stalked meadow and crested dog's-tail, to dry pastures; and lastly, that the meadow-fescue and sweet-scented spring-grasses will suit land, which is either moist or moderately dry.

If the soil be previously cleared from all noxious weeds and plants, the above-specified combination of grasses will, in the course of two years, form a most excellent meadow. But, in case it be reqiured to seed a piece of land immediately, and the valuable grasses before mentioned cannot be procured, it has been recommended ("New Farmer's Calendar," p. 440, 2d edit. 8vo. Symonds, &c. 1801) to sow the following seeds, which are easily attainable; viz. Broad clover (a variety of the common clover), or cow-grass; white clover, trefoil, ray-grass, and, if the soil be sufficiently dry,. On clean tilth, they will, in a few years, present a good meadow; as the clover and ray-grass, in the first or second year, produce an ample swathe for mowing: next, they will be succeeded by a luxuriant crop of the white clover and trefoil, united with the natural grasses of the soil.

Grass-seeds ought to be sown during moist weather, either in the summer or in autumn, after turnips, cabbages, or any other hoeing crop; for it is absolutely necessary to prepare for them a fine and clean tilth. On the approach of winter, the young crop should be slightly covered with long stable-dung, old thatch, or even sand, earth, or any other manure. The land ought, likewise, to be occasionally cleared of the weeds, together with their roots, and the vacant spots fresh seeded.

In laying lands down for meadows, old turf must be uniformly broken up, by paring and burning, when it is to be sown with new grasses; but, such soils as have been completely exhausted by successive crops of corn, should first be laid dry and diligently cleaned; then sown with proper herbage, top-dressed, and manured for the space of two or three years; in consequence of which they will recover their former fertility.

Lastly, the operation of rolling meadows in the spring, especially such as have been irrigated, ought never to be omitted. The most proper time for this purpose is the beginning or middle of February,