The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1851-03-20
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From the Germantown Telegraph.
Preparation of Glover Seed.

For several years past severe losses
have been experienced by our farmers,
annually, in consequence, as many have
supposed, of sowing bad seed. Others
again have attributed it to drought, which
prevented the termination of the seed. or
effected It's destruction after it had germi-
mated and began to grow. All these causes,
doubtless have had their full share in pro-
ducing the evil complained of; but we
cannot help thinking that, Notwithstanding
the introduction. of much bad seed, and
the occasional effect Of severe drought, in
some sections, the failure complained of
might with proper attention in selecting
and sowing the seed, have been in great
measure prevented. Ii is, perhaps, gen
orally known, that clover seed terminates
slowly, and that the plants, during the
earlier stages of their developement are
peculiarly fragile, and liable to be destroy
ed by a privation of wafer, or by the sul-
locating and stultifying influences exerted
by the grains in conuexion with which
they commonly take root.
The latter evil is more extensive and
fatal in its effects, unquestionabIy, than
many are prepared to suppose. ob-
served field the last season, through
which a narrow strip had beer left unsown
in consequence of want of seed; but
which had been sown with herds grass
and clover, the same as The residue Of the
field, which had been laid to grass with
oats. On ;his strip, the grasses presented
a most beautiful and luxuriant appearance.
while on those portions which had pro-
duced oats, scarcely plant was to be
seen
In the preparation of clover seed,
have ever found tha, soaking for day or
two in warm water, in which a small
quantity Of common salt has been dis
solved, has usually produced the best
results. But even this precaution against
failure, will be of little use unless the
seed be carefully covered Immediately,
and al sufficient dept alIer sowing, viii
be much more liable 10 fail, than that
sown in lis natural state. | have found il
an excellent plan to roll lands to be laid
10 grass. For this purpose, | have a
drag roller, which is eXpeditiously formed
by attaching q chain 10 a clevis fastened
to one side, in order that the length of the
drag may be al right angles with the di-
recIon OF draught. This allows the drag
10 swing clear Of permanent distractions.
and finishes OF the surface more thoro'ly
than any other instrument | have ever
used.
In laying lands to grass, never sow
my seed with the gram. The frequent
failures which perplex and discourage the
farmer, in his attempts TO stock his lands,
'are, in ny opinion, attributable to the
natural effects of this practice. | prefer
narrowing or ploughing my stubble grounds
after the grain has been taken of, aud
sowing on my seed, care be taken 10 cover
It thoroughly but not deeply, and TO com
press the surface and render it perfectly
smooth and level with the implement
above named; or, if there are rocks OF
other obstacles in the way, which would
renderits operation imperfect or inefficient,
with The heavy cylindrical roll. Seed put
in in this way, rarely fails to come
well, and if the ground is in good condi-
ton, the growth will be rapid and vigor-
Gus, and the grasses more forward at the
| close of the season, than if sown with
the grain III the spring.
\ MONTGOMERY COUNTY FARMER.
February II, 1851.