Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1856-02-28
farmtr's Department.
Kenluoky Blue Grsss-WoOd Pasture

Kentucky Blue Grsss-WoOd Pasture
This grass, which constitutes the glory o.
Kentucky pastures, is regarded superior to all
others cor grazing, aud what adds more 70 US
great value, it grows with such Insurance on
lands necessarily retained for umOef' EnleA
without the grass, would yield no annual re.
turn beyond the value OF the timber removed
from them, :,
The system Of converting these woodlands
into productive pastures, was introduced into
Kentucky, in the counties Of Benton, CLARK,
and FaysLte, fifty years ago by emigrants
from the south branch Of the Potomac. This
system extended gradually, until il embraced
| considerable portion Of the State, and it is
now beginning to constitute en- important iea.
iure Of farming in many other States. 1t is e.
qualy applicable to all the rich eAleareous soils
OF the West; and we hope soon TO see the un'
dergrowth in the majestic forests Of Missouria and
other States removed. and the lands yielding
rich returns from these unrivaled pastures.
PkKPARING THE LAND, AND SowIEG THE
SEED. p.-Where timber is an object. the impOr-
tant point to be considered is, TO almiti into the
enclosure the greatest amount Of sun, consis-
tent with the preservation Of the valuable
portions Of the timber. Various methods have
been adopted in Kentucky, according TO cir
cumstances, in preparing these woodland pas
lures, some cut cut the underground aud FIRE
wood, and then SOW the seed; others belt the
timber one season, and clear out the under
growth, and then son heensuing winter; this
latter method is the most expeditions, and re
uures the least labor After The underground
is removed. the leaves should be gathered up
so that the seeds may come in contact with
the moist soil: some gather and burn Il, but W
prefer to gather it into heaps, and let itlay up
on the land. This may be done, and at th,
, same time leave the ground ih the best pOsslb ]
condition to receive the seed. by the use OF
, scraper. This is made in the following man
ner: take piece Of plank, five or six feet long
. and about Two feet wide, insert therein, at righ
e angles, a common oxtongue, and attach on
a yoke Of oxen and one horse to it.-With tn
aid Of one man, six or eight acres can be scra
ped over in day, Jumping the most Of tn
logs with ease. Tine leaves are gathered int
pilesi leaving the surface of the ground clea
, and smooth, and ready for the reception Of th
; seed.--It is best to have one man follow. ant
SOW the seed as fast as the ground is cleared
, The seed may be sown at any time from No
vember to April; but the best time for sowing
is in January or February, and under the op
Grafton of the weather, the seed will penetr at
the earth more readily, and it will vese ate Ih
first season.
QUANTITY OF SEED From ten to fourtee
? pounds of cleaned seed should be put on a
!. acre. Some farmers add 10 this three or foU
pounds Of timothy seed.
:, Blue grass is very delicate the first yea
= and II should be sparingly pastured until 1t hi
!, gone 10 seed, or it is liable to be pulled up |
, the roots
- Blue gr4ss is an excellent renovation ,or ope
I, worn lands; when sown upon cleared land,
T;c T mixture of timothy and clover seed, in Il
l. proportion Of three or four pounds of each,
,o =, ten or twelve pounds of cleaned blue grO
% seed, is preierred,-The advantage resulti
" from this is. it secures at once a well cover
pasture, that will bear a considerable grazi
the FIRST year; the blue grass will soon exE
a. the clover and timothy, and take full possessi
" of the ground. Open grounds are usual
L. sown in March, upon wheat, rye, or oats.
ne VALLEY Farmer.