American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1825-05-10
FOR FARMERs.-ORcHARD GRASS.
From tie .lmerican Farmer.

friend who is known to be very successful
rullivator OF Orchard Grass, and on whose farm
the editor has recently seen the oes lot OF grass
VIII CHI has attracted his notice this spring, has kind
ly favored with the following information, the
accuracy Of which my be fully relied
$50 much has already been published in the
American Farmer upon the excellent qualities OF
Orchard Grass, that it would be presumptuous in a
petty farmer like myself, to give any additional
information thereon bot from your 1aterng re.
quest, cheertuy state the experience have had,
as 70 sowing and reapIng upon my small farm.
1t will answer to orchard grass either in the
spring or fall; and if The former season is found
most convenient, it may be done upon any growing
crop oil grain, and the earlier the better, if the
ground be sufficiently dry; after which harrow
with very light harrow. or rol--either, or both
operations, will rather benefit han injure the grain
crop. But il the ground is poor, top dressing of
manure will be requisite Immediately alter sowing.
You cannot have crop OF grass to NOV the first
year, if sown in the spring and indeed. it will be
better for the grass II not pastured during that year
except by calves, which would not iniure it,
II ground is prepared for sowing in the fall, the
earlier this object is accomplished the better, for
II II DOES not AXE good root and cover the ground
we'll before winter, the frost Will be very apt to turn
the plant out OF the gIound-wh,h one year ex
peuenced in sowing alter po' atoes in the month OF
November; for although the grass Game up hand
somely there wa, none lett in the spring and
then sowed conJ time.
Last year | had poor field, which bore very
light crops Of English grass it was ploughed in
The spring and sown in May with millet, which
came up very slightly, and ploughed in, The
last OF June, and the ground Immediately soWn
with buckwheat, upon which, when IN blossom. |
spread light coat OF manure, and again pluughed
and narrowed; the soil was very finely pulverized,
and on the 4h August sowed orchard grass seed,
which came up beautifully, without weed appear
log; before December it was six inches high and
is now very luxuriant crop, and will, make no
doubt produce between two and three tons to the
acre this summer.
Two years since, | ploughcd field of mixed
worn out grasses in the month of November let
lay all winter, and in the spring top dressed with
old stable manure, and without stirring the earth.
.owed oats, which were well narrowed H. and then
orchard grass sown, and the whole rolled making
the surface very hne-the manure caused the oats
to grow so luxuranty, was fearful the grass would
be smothered; but after reapng them was agree
ably surprised TO find fine coat of grass as could
be desired, and which continues TO produce album.
dant crops, without any of the previous mixed
grasses appearing, although the ground was only
Ploughed once.
Five years since / sowed orchard grass, with
turnips, IN the month OF August, and it came VI
'Smai kaoly well ne held has not since then beer
manfred and The crops Of hay are very good and
Clean always sow two bushels Of orchard gras:
SEED 10 The acre, or nearly so as can be ascer.
'alheo' This quantity is by some farmers deemed
100 much, Gut am satisfied of the contrary for il
cannot well be too thick and if smaller quantity
IS so"n 1t does not the ground, but grows in
20 large tussucEs, supposed by many to be its nau
raj propensity. but occasioned in fact from being
too 'hinly sown. The seed being remarkably hight
requires calm day, and great nicely in laying of
me ground. You cannot well make a cast OF more
man Tour feet therefore have three stakes made
four feet each, and plant them in row. 10 puid,
the sowing, and take boy to remove the stakes
measuring the distance by their own length; ant
having sown the field in one direction, / alway,
cross SOW II IN the same manner. But MIR. Sinclair