GRASS SEEDS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 111, 7 May 1881, Page 2

GRASS SEEDS.

Now, when the new settlers on the Plains are all rejoicing over the recent rains, which, have just come in time to start the grass seeds, which so many of them have been waiting for, the question- — What is the best mixture to sow? — deserves consideration. It seems somewhat curious that there are hardly any two settlers agreed as to what is really the most suitable mixture of grass seeds to be sown. There are some who only sow about 16 lbs. to the acre; others more than twice the quantity. Again, there are some who sow only from 1 lb. to li lbs. of mixed clovers and alsyke, with their rye grass, to the acre, and others who sow from 5 lbs. to 6 lbs. One would naturally suppose that the experience gained by the older settlers in the district would serve as a guide to the new comers, but their practice varies quite as much as that of the new settlers. There are very few fanners who ever test their seed ; yet it is essential that they should do so. Clovers especially vary immensely in vitality ; in some of them as little as 30 to 40 per cent, only Avill germinate ; whereas some seeds sown in this district have averaged fully 75 per cent., ami even then, had longer time been given, perhaps more -would have started. It stands to reason that 1 lb. of good seed may give better results than 2 lbs. of inferior, and that before any two persons can accurately compare results, the vitality of the seed sown in each case must first have been inquired into. Not only is there a wide divergence of opinion as to the quantities of seeds which should be sov/n, but also as to the best selection. In respect to this point, the first question to be decided is whether the pasture to be laid down is likely to be permanent or not. For a two or three years lay, a simple mixture of clovers and rye-grss is generally held to be sufficient. For more permanent lay, timothy, crested dog-tail, and cocksfoot, may be added, though upon this soil there is always a risk of the latter crowding out the more succulent grasses. The whole question might be ventilated with advantage. Perhaps some of our readers will give us the benefit of their experience.