Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1912-02-22

climatic conditions, TO labor conditions.
TO the size of the farm and should take
into account the sequences Of crops
GRAssES--THE POSSIBILITIES or
INCREASING THE PRODUCTION
IN VERMONT
(By J. p. Helyar. Instructor IN Botany.
University Of Vermont)
Ths business Of the farmer IL that Of
q food producer, and as such should his
problem be studied. When viewed in this
light. it offers a field Of study toemins
with possibilities. and vastly moro In
terestins than when considered as labor
OF blowing. planting and haryo tins. Ana
this problem OF food production Is the all
important one to-day and will he more go
tomorrow. How are we going to provide
for the demands OF q rapidly increasing
population. a large proportion Of which
Is unwilling TO enter into the food pro-
duc'ng business.
Vermont must always remain what Z
is to-day. a first rank producer of dairy
| products. a consideration of controlling
| factors, Of which climatic conditions are
| most important. bring us to this conclu-
! sion. Becausa Of climate our land is prac-
| tically unpr1 iuctive two-thirds Of tho
| year 1t is question then of producing
! crop to be disposed OF AT maturity and
| carrying with it the richness Of our soil,
or one that can be converted into food
| products. through the agency Of animals,
during the idle period. so that a large
amount Of fertility will be returned IA
the SOIL
Again the climate and the soil deter
| IA
| Experience has shown that every ratura
! qualification Is present for the most sue.
cessful production of grasses in tho
| meadows and pastures Of Vermont In
this are most fortunate. for the
! grasses. including the cereals. are Of more
! Importance to man than all other plants
combined
The Vermont farmer can become .
great factor in increasing food production
by Increasing his grass production-not
ny radical changes in methods, nor by
increased acreage, for present labor con-
ditions do not allow. Rather he can mako
two blades Of glass grow whore only one
grew before. by paying careful attention
to every detail Of his business. such as:
|. Througl preparation of seed bed.
Tillage Influences fertility and all other
conditions being equal. the per cent. Of
seeds terminating depends on the con-
dition OF the seed bed.
g. The drainage of wet areas by tile
or ditch. which allows the production Of a
more profitable crop. The results pay the
cost.
g. Selection of species. Get the right
one for the right place. Timothy is good
for the best soils Orchard grass, red tor
and English foxtail for moist soils. Can
ada blue Joint. fowl meadow and the
mama grasses for very moist soils.
T. Rotations and fertilzng demand
greater consideration not hit or miss
proposition.
, s. Buying Of seed. BIZ the best. Be
ware OF low priced seeds charged with
, adulterants or the worst Of noxious weeds
Buy only upon report Of the Experiment
station il you are In doubt
6. revolution In pasture management
is needed In Vermont Reforest. reduce
and reseed are good words TO remember
7. Study all conditions; confer with ex
ports. Eternal vigilance IL the price o.
, success In producing food as well az n
the other lines OF business.