Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1841-04-21
AGRICUL URAL.
From the N. E. Farmer.
PROPER QUANTITY OF GRASS SEED.

From the N. E. Farmer.
PROPER QUANTITY OF GRASS SEED.
Mr.. A. Putnam: Dear Sir-In the re-
port Of the Committee on Farms, in which
it became my duty to express their o2in-
ion and decision, as published in your
paper of the 18th February, it was there
in expressed that in the statements of the
eleven applicants for premium, there was
a deficiency in the quantity of seed ap-
piled to the land, when laid down to grass.
There was. in every instance, less, and in
most cases much less than there should
have been. 49,.
This was doubtless to the disadvantage
Of each cultivator; for had the quantity
Of seed been enlarged, the crop OF hay
would have been greater, as the condition
and culture of the land was such as to
make this evident to the committee. In
fact, the sufficient use Of grass seed has
been matter Of long neglect with farm
ers. 1t is little over half century since
many farmers thought and expressed an
opinion thatsna would do this herself,
and without aid. The failure from dry
seasons, and the injury often done the
smaller grass seeds by fermentation and
bad preservation, tended to keep alive this
unfortunate opinion. >.. =
Experience has, however, given us
better instruction, and we find that when
blessed in the season, he that sows abund-
antly shalt reap in full proportion.
| was led to think that my individual
Suggestions would be in more proper place
if separately made, rather than if other
wise connected. More especially as 1
had another object in view.
A few years since, when in England, |
applied to well accustomed and intelli.
gent scotsman in London, and requested
him to give me in writing an account OF
the quantity of seed used by farmers in
laying down their lands TO grass. The
original paper he handed me. you have
herewith. The notice he takes of tares
and beans is immaterial; SO also the ac-
count he gives of the quantity of ST. Foine
and Lucerne seed used where the quanti-
ty isslessened one-half by being sown in
drill These two latter grasses have moi
succeeded, in my efforts ofeculture. Il
can not indeed be expected that we should
be able to procure any better substitutes
for the grasses long familiar to our farm.
ers.
The prevailing spear grass (if may
so call it,) which the English use with
clover in laying down their grounds. j:
denominated rye-grass; the quantity useC
is one bushel thereof with Ia lbs. of clio
yer for an acre.
1t may not be amiss to add, that in Eng
land the use of clover for turning in as
benefit to the soil, is of very extensiv,
practice.
In the most inquisitive research afte
the herds grass in many parts of England
and Scotland, found but one spire which
resembled the herds grass; this / brough
home with me; but its resemblance wa
faint and diuinutive-not distinct.
/ have thus given you the information
in detail which you requested of me, fo
such use as you may see fit to max,
thereof, and am, with much respect ant
regard, yours, truly, JOHN WELIEs.
The following is copy of the origina
paper furnished by the London scotsman
alluded to in the foregoing:
"Fares. bushels;,St Foine, A or
bushels; Lucerne, 10 lbs. per acre,
broadcast-if drill, half the quantity; clio
yer, IA lbs, and rye-grsss bushel; beans
81 bushels, in drills"
REMAR Ks
Wish friend Welles had given us his
experiences. OF at least his opinion, as tc
the proper quantity of Timothy seed tc
be used, 70 the scre-this being one of the
principal, and best grasses used in ,hi,
country. The quantity formerly used By
farmers in general, so far as my knowl
edge extends, was from four to six quarts
to the acre. So far as my own experl
ence and observation extend, sixteen quarts
together with ten pounds Of clover sect
are not too much.--o. S. M.