Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1846-05-08
VALUEOF THE GRASSES.

The product of our grass land is not only far
beyond that of any other crop In the United
States, but is probably greater than all other
crops combined, as they are taken from the
field. This is not true with certain parts of
the Union, as in portions Of the South, were
cotton, rice, sugar, or other leading articles are
cultivated nor with such as are In the neigh
borhood of large markets, where fruits and
Vegetables are in steady demand, at high prl-
ces. But thrOug bout the States generally, we
do not doubt that the aggregate Of the prodnc-
ton of grass sfar beyond that of all other raul
products COMMUNICATION NsfnHst be remembered
that grausand.rice, after harvesting, must bel
thresheRand cleaned at an expense of several
cents per bushel: cotton must be carefully
oicked and cleaned, and then baled; sugar and
tobacco must be manufactured before they are
ready for market; all Of which expenses should
first be deducted before placing them on d par
with grass, Whichis always marketable In the
field. either by the animals which consume it,
or as hav. Ii we consider farther, 'hat near
" every one Of the other products is raised by
long-continued, expensive, laborlous efforts.
both Of man and beast, we largely enhance the
comparative value of the grasses. as they are
thus secured in all their value and Importance
at amuch cheaper rate than other productions.
Another and highly important advantage they
possess over other crops is, they but slightly
impoversh the soil in any Instance, while in
many they tend to it's Fertilization; but all 9TH
er crops -exhausts 1t to a greater or less de-
gree. Ifthese Propositions be true, 1t beh0o7es
the farmer 10 look we'll after his grass lands.
If properly prepared and managed they ale a
mine Of wealth to him; while, with the Gener-
ality of farmers, if they be neglected wo betide
his results, for he will secure nothing for his
L. do in IIrT i'm
self and family with the necPssarles of life.
With too many Of the farmers, grass lands
are either totally neglected, they receive
lust enough nf attention to rescue them from
absolute Abandonment Some farmers never
sow an ounce of grass seed on their land; bat
after first clearing off the 9inal growth OF
wood, or taking off crop OF grain, they heed
lessly abandon it to the growth Of such her
bage as may spring up from the chance seed
of former years accumulation IN the soil; and
as this is pretty equally made up Of the seeds
of gross and weeds, the latter usually usHfp
afieir full share of the soil, till such time as the
former has the. power Of assuming that. pre-
dominance which a Kind Providence has Civ
en- to the useful oye4, Tfr useless or prejudicial
produce Of nature. 49,.
Grass-lands, whether intended for meadow
or pasture, oughtto be prepared with the same
caution as fields of gfflMpr vegetables. They
should be finely, eveniySnna smoothly plowed
and narrowed; they shonld be in high condition
as to fertility; all the fnrrows should be care
fullysmoothed down and levelled, if leechy
land, or as carefully cleaned ont and kepl
open for thorough surface draining, if they
consist of stiff clay. Theseed shouldbe well
chosen for piumpness and weight. and entire
freedom from any improper mixture, and last
ly, it should be evenly and most literally sowr
with one or as many varieties of grass or clio
yer, as is best suited to the soil, or the object
proposed. If, from unforeseen causes, as drought
or winter killing, or imperfeclion Of seed, any
spots should prove bare or imperiectiy seeded
the first proper time should be taken forjre-see
dingit Cattle should be carefully excluded
till the grass has acquired fine sod, and in tht
spring, and sufficiently early in the autumn, t.
prevent any yoaching, by which nnslghtIy
holes are made for standing water and TO th'
total exclusion of all growth of grass. If th'
heritage at any time becomes thin or deficient
or moses or weeds encroach upon the nseta
sgtowth, guano, ashesCplaster, lime, stable-ma
nure, peat, or munk composts should be addet
remedy the first and the usual appliance
i,orted to from removing the last. Thu
on, aged, grazed by choice breeds of stock
eve way we'll looked after, the farmers gen
SeIo"wii find their most profitable return
''o" ass lands.-.Anae,acan. 4gricuA"rsst.
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