The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1895-08-31
SUMMER PREPARATION FOR GRASS.
A Practical Talk by New England
Farmer on an Important Topic.

There is a very general impression
that piece Of ground must be plowed
and cropped before it may be proftably
seeded, even though it be needed for
moving. This is all a mistake, accord
ing to a practical and successful New
Engla farmer, who is reported by
The Farm Journal as saying Nothing
on the farm pays so well and costs SO
little as the hay crop. if-and here
comes in the key to profit in both this
and other things-if it be properly
grown. One-half to three quarters of a
ton per acre will damage any man, NOT
because the grass may not make good
hay, but because it costs nearly as
much to produce it as to grow and har-
vest three tons per acre. Let us suppose
taxes, fencing and harvesting amount
to 80 per acre, and nothing is said
about fertilizing. two plots Of equal fer
tilty being chosen, enc we'll seeded and
the other lacking grass plants. If one
yields two tons, thCEaay virtually costs
that year but S. per ton. The three
quarter ton per acre crop costs S13. SO
per ton Which kind Of hay can you bet
ter afford to feed where you are making
2 cent milk? 1t is no trouble to decide
Why do so many of rs think it nee
essary to crop every plowed sod from
one to four years before seeding? To get
manure into the soil, or from habit
very largely? The latter is the reason, I
fear. Let those who have never tried IL
take in hand some of their thin grass
land this summer and as soon as posi-
BILE after moving it pillow, roll harrow
and roll it until fined Then for week
or two while having Is Icing completed
it may rest aud rot. Bat do not let it
alone long. With a sharp Acme or Cut
away go over it each week until Sep
TENDER, killing every sign Of vegetation
When cooler, moiSter weather begins,
seed to herd grass, using not less than
eight quarts FER acre. Be sure to smooth
out every wrinkle, level eve5y InoH and
fill every cradle hole, usine a float drag
before seeding. Then bush and leave it
perfect for the mower, picking or roll
ing in every eobblestone
In January or February SOW ten
pounds Of sound clover seea--no5 later
The severe cold will not harm it, while
the deep creyices made in the frost baked
earth will swallow it and keep it safe
until che freezes of late spring cannot
harm it. When it does appear above
ground, it will have already grown
strong root and will go to work vigor-
ously. Clover sown in March or April
comes up quickly because of shallow
covering, and if it escapes the late frosts
its shallow growth is often burned TO
death by the blazing days following the
first moving. Here is land well cult
waited, we'll seeded and productive at
slight cost. 1t has not been robbed by
cultivated crops nor idle On expense.
The plan permits the hauling of manure
upon the soil between August harrow
ings or cheaply by sled as topdressing
in winter. Fall blowing sometimes
serves for seeding, but is risky, much
depending upon the season. No crop
pays better than grass for the manure
used, but it may be very far from cheap
hay If the yield he small Rich soil
well seeded win make a farmer we'll to
do, while land just over the fence may
run his neighbor in debt. Which side of
the fence are you going TO be2