Appendix 1
Paper Contributed by Mr. James Hunter,
Agricultural Seed Merchant, Chester
Grass seeds of the various kinds commonly used for laying down to grass, greatly differ from each other in their appearance, size, weight, etc., and the quality of the seeds usually offered for sale varies to an extent far beyond what would be imagined. The necessity, therefore, for a Standard of Quality, by which the ordinary user of these seeds may, with a fair degree of certainty, judge the quality of the seeds he buys, is obvious. Shortly to come, such a Standard, applicable to the seeds of all the grasses, clovers and other plants used in laying down land to grass, either for long or for short periods, is given.
In the first column of figures in the table will be found the percentage of germination that seed of any given species, of the highest quality, harvested in good condition in an average year, should possess. This Standard, it will be understood, is a high one; but it can be attained without real difficulty, and users of seeds should not be content with anything inferior. It should never be forgotten that seed of the highest germination is always the cheapest, and that the highest germinating seed is also almost certain to be the purest, so that true economy can only be attained by using the very best seeds. It must be obvious that the higher the percentage of germination of any seed, the greater its money value. One pound of seed germinating 90 per cent will produce as many plants as, and of more vigorous growth than, 1-1/2 lb. of seed whose germination is only 60 per cent, so that if the value of the former is 1s. 6d. per lb., the latter is dear at 1s. per lb. Such being the case, it is astonishing that many who use grass seeds do not think it necessary to take precautions to ensure that the seeds they buy shall be of good germination, although it is a matter of such importance to themselves, not only as regards the future success of the pasture, which is the chief consideration, but also because of the present pecuniary advantage. If users of Grass Seeds studied their own interests, they would buy none without an exact statement of the germinating power of each kind. All vague statements as to the seeds being of 'proved germination', etc., are valueless; and, unless the exact percentage of germination is stated, it cannot be known by the purchaser whether the seeds are of proved good germination or proved bad germination.
The next point of importance in regard to the quality of any grass seed is the weight per bushel of the sample, vide second column of figures in the table. Than this there is no better evidence of quality, and provided the seed is new and free from admixture with seed of another species, the test of weight alone will affirm the good quality of any sample of grass seed. The variation in the weight per bushel of the seed of any single species of grass is very great, as the following instances will show: Meadow Foxtail may weigh from 5 lb. to 14 lb. per bushel; Cocksfoot from 6 lb. to 24 lb.; Meadow Fescue from 10 lb. to 30 lb.; Perennial Ryegrass from 14 lb. to 30 lb.; and all the. others in similar degree. The explanation of this is simple. The, heaviest samples must consist entirely of heavy ripe seeds, free from all chaff and undeveloped non-germinating seeds, and provided such a sample of seed is new and sound, it cannot fail to be of the highest. germination -- say, 95 to 98 per cent. Seed of lighter weight per bushel is composed partly of heavy ripe seeds, partly of undeveloped seeds and chaff, and, in consequence, the germinating capability of the, sample must be comparatively low. The lightest samples may be composed entirely of undeveloped seeds and chaff, having a possible; germinating capability of not more than 5 per cent. It must follow that the use of such low class seeds can only result in failure, disappointment, and serious loss.
The number of seeds in one pound weight has an important bearing on the choice of seeds for a grass mixture, as, owing to the great difference in the size of the seeds of the different species, it is impossible without this knowledge to allot the due proportion of each, species in the mixture. The table shows that while 1 lb., of one species may contain over 3,000,000 seeds, 1 lb. of another species may have not more than 75,000.
In the fifth column of figures in the table is given the average price, of seeds of the finest quality for the ten years 1898 to 1907. This average is somewhat higher than the average for the ten preceding years, when a cycle of cheap years prevailed. As variations occur every year it is, of course, necessary to ascertain the prices of seeds at the time they are required.
To produce a good seed mixture at the least cost, the sixth column of figures in the table should be studied. This column shows that the average cost of 1,000,000 germinating seeds of Timothy grass is 4-1/4 d., while 1,000,000 germinating seeds of Tall Oat grass is 8s., although the average price per lb. of these seeds is respectively 5-1/2 d. and 1 s. It is obvious, therefore, that the price per lb. of the seed does not convey a clear idea of its real cost, but that the cost per million germinating seeds does. The natural deduction from a study of the cost per million seeds is, that taking all the circumstances of soil, situation, and climate, the duration of the pasture and the requirements of the farmer, into consideration, the freest use of the cheapest seeds suitable to the requirements, should be made. It should not be forgotten that the price of a seed is not arrived at because of its value to the sower. Its market value depends on the cost of its production, and the demand for it in relation to the supply. It follows, therefore, that a seed that is easily produced is cheap, and one that is not is dear; also, a small seeded species, having many seeds to the pound, is cheap, while a large-seeded kind must be dear.
When seeds have been harvested under unfavourable conditions, or when there is a partial failure of crop of any species, the standard of germination for that species may be somewhat lower, and the price of the seed higher, so that due allowance must be made for such causes when they arise. It should also be borne in mind that the figures in the Table apply only to seeds of the highest standard of quality. Seeds of lower quality have a lower germination, are lighter in weight per bushel, have a greater number of seeds in1 lb. weight, and, although cheaper by the lb., the cost per million germinating seeds is usually greater than that of the best seeds.
The illustrations of seeds used for laying down land to grass (vide plates, to follow in this appendix) will enable any one, who is willing to give some attention to the subject, to judge of the genuineness and purity of a sample of grass seed. These illustrations have been carefully prepared from micro-photographs of the different species. It must be evident, even to one who is not an expert, that any seed or other matter contained in any sample under examination which differs in shape, appearance, or character from the true seed, must be an impurity, and in order to ascertain the amount of pure seed and of the impurities, a separation of a given quantity should be made and the result noted.
|
Standard of Quality of Seeds for Grass Seed Mixtures
|
|
Name. of Species
|
Percentage of Germ-ination
|
Weight per bushel
|
Number of Seeds in 1 lb.
|
Number of Germin-ating Seeds in 1 lb.
|
Average Price per lb.
|
Cost per million Germ-inating Seeds
|
| xx |
xx |
lb.
|
xx |
xx |
s. d.*
|
s. d.
|
| Alopecurus pratensis (Meadow Foxtail)** |
90
|
14
|
490,000
|
441,000
|
1/4
|
3/0
|
| Anthoxanthum odoratum (Sweet Vernal) |
80
|
14
|
738,000
|
590,400
|
2/0
|
3/2
|
| Avena elatior (Tall Oat-like Grass) |
90
|
16
|
138,000
|
124,200
|
1/0
|
8/0
|
| Avena flavescens (Golden Oat Grass) |
80
|
14
|
1,400,000
|
1,120,000
|
3/0
|
2/8
|
| Cynosurus cristatus (Crested Dogstail) |
95
|
40
|
886,000
|
841,700
|
1/5
|
1/8
|
| Dactylis glomerata (Cocksfoot) |
95
|
24
|
426,000
|
404,700
|
0/11
|
2/3
|
| Festuca duriuscula (Hard Fescue) |
95
|
24
|
578,000
|
549,100
|
0/8-1/2
|
1/4
|
| Festuca elatior (Tall Fescue) |
96
|
24
|
246,000
|
236,160
|
1/3-1/2
|
5/6
|
| Festuca ovina tenuifolia (Fine-leaved Fescue) |
95
|
28
|
1,561,000
|
1,326,850
|
1/4
|
1/0
|
| Festuca pratensis (Meadow Fescue) |
98
|
30
|
236,000
|
233,280
|
0/9-1/2
|
3/4-1/2
|
| Lolium italicum (Italian Ryegrass) |
98
|
23
|
270,000
|
264,600
|
0/3-3/4
|
1/2
|
| Lolium perenne (Perennial Ryegrass) |
98
|
28
|
223,000
|
218,540
|
0/3
|
1/2
|
| Phleum pratense (Catstail or Timothy) |
98
|
50
|
1,320,000
|
1,293,600
|
0/5-1/2
|
0/4-1/4
|
| Poa nemoralis (Wood Meadow Grass) |
88
|
26
|
2,325,000
|
2,046,000
|
1/9
|
0/10-1/2
|
| Poa pratensis (Smooth-stalked Meadow Grass) |
85
|
30
|
1,860,000
|
1,581,000
|
0/10-1/2
|
0/6-3/4
|
| Poa trivialis (Rough-stalked Meadow Grass) |
97
|
30
|
2,235,000
|
2,167,950
|
1/7
|
0/9
|
| Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow or Milfoil) |
90
|
38
|
3,510,000
|
3,159,000
|
4/9
|
1/7
|
| Anthyllis vulneraria (Kidney Vetch) |
98
|
64
|
193,000
|
189,140
|
0/11
|
4/10
|
| Cichoriurn intybus (Chicory) |
85
|
38
|
335,000
|
284,750
|
1/3-1/2
|
4/6
|
| Lotus corniculatus (Birdsfoot Trefoil) |
98
|
65
|
412,000
|
403,760
|
1/3-1/2
|
3/2
|
| Medicago lupulina (Trefoil or Yellow Clover) |
98
|
68
|
319,000
|
312,620
|
0/5-1/2
|
1/5-1/2
|
| Medicago sativa (Lucerne) |
98
|
65
|
224,000
|
219,520
|
0/11
|
4/2
|
| Petroselinum sativum (Parsley) |
90
|
45
|
230,000
|
207,000
|
0/6
|
2/5
|
| Poterium sanguisorba (Burnet) |
140*
|
27
|
54,000
|
75,600
|
0/5
|
5/5
|
| Trifolium hybridum (Alsike Clover) |
98
|
66
|
718,000
|
703,640
|
1/0
|
1/5
|
| Trifolium pratense (Red or Broad Clover) |
98
|
66
|
232,000
|
227,360
|
0/10-1/2
|
3/11
|
| Trifolium pratense perenne (Perl. Red Clover) |
98
|
66
|
218,000
|
213,640
|
1/0-1/2
|
4/11
|
| Trifolium pratense per. var. (Late-flow'g Red) |
98
|
66
|
218,000
|
213,640
|
1/3
|
5/10
|
| Trifolium repens (White or Dutch Clover) |
98
|
68
|
732,000
|
717,360
|
1/1
|
1/6
|
* Shillings and pence
** Burnet capsules may contain more than one true seed, so that 100 capsules may yield 140 shoots. |
Illustrations of the Seeds Used in Laying Down Land to Grass on the Clifton Park System
On the plates following are shewn micro-photographs of the Seeds of the various Grasses, Clovers, and other plants used in the Clifton Park System. These illustrations will enable the reader to identify the different species of seeds, to form a judgement of the genuineness of a sample, and to detect any impurities it may contain.
When comparing samples of seeds with these illustrations, or the illustration of one species with another, the different magnifications (which are given below), of the various illustrations should be noted. The larger seeds are shewn six diameters their natural size, while the smaller seeds are magnified ten diameters.
Plate 1
|
Plate 2
|
Plate 3
|
Plate 4
|
|
Plate 1
|
|
Fig.
|
xx
|
Magnification in diameters
|
| 7 |
Alopecurus pratensis (Meadow Foxtail) |
6
|
| 8 |
Anthoxanthum odoratum (Sweet Vernal Grass) |
6
|
| 4 |
Avena elatior (Tall Oat-like Grass) |
6
|
| 1 |
Avena flavescens (Golden Oat Grass) |
6
|
|
Plate 2
|
|
Fig.
|
xx |
Magnification in diameters
|
| 9 |
Dactylis glomerata (Cocksfoot) |
6
|
| 10 |
Festuca duriuscula (Hard Fescue) |
6
|
| 11 |
Festuca elatior (Tall Fescue) |
6
|
| 12 |
Festuca pratensis (Meadow Fescue) |
6
|
| 16 |
Lolium italicum (Italian Ryegrass) |
6
|
| 13 |
Lolium perenne (Perennial Ryegrass) |
6
|
|
Plate 3
|
|
Fig.
|
xx |
Magnification in diameters
|
| 19 |
Festuca ovina tenuifolia (Fine-leaved Fescue) |
10
|
| 20 |
Cynosurus cristatus (Crested Dogstail) |
10
|
| 21 |
Phleum. pratense (Catstail or Timothy) |
10
|
| 22 |
Poa nemoralis (Wood Meadow Grass) |
10
|
| 25 |
Poa pratensis (Smooth-stalked Meadow Grass) |
10
|
| 23 |
Poa trivialis (Rough stalked Meadow Grass) |
10
|
| 26 |
Poteriurn sanguisorba (Burnet) |
6
|
| 27 |
Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow) |
6
|
| 28 |
Cichorium intybus (Chicory) |
10
|
|
Plate 4
|
|
Fig.
|
xx |
Magnification in diameters
|
| 33 |
Anthyllis vulneraria (Kidney Vetch) |
6
|
| 35 |
Medicago lupulina (Trefoil) |
6
|
| 36 |
Medicago sativa (Lucerne) |
6
|
| 31 |
Trifolium hybridum (Alsike Clover) |
6
|
| 32 |
Trifolium pratense (Red or Broad-leaved Clover) |
6
|
| 30 |
Trifolium pratense perenne (Peren. Red Clover) |
6
|
| 29 |
Trifolium pratense perenne var. (Late-flowering Red Clover) |
6
|
| 34 |
Trifolium repens (White Clover) |
6
|
|
Inferior Grasses sometimes found in Samples of good Species.
|
|
Plates 1, 2 and 4
|
|
Fig.
|
xx |
Magnification in diameters
|
| 18 |
Aira caespitosa (Tufted Hair Grass) |
10
|
| 2 |
Aira flexuosa (Wavy Mountain Hair Grass) |
6
|
| 5 |
Alopecurus agrestis (Black Grass) |
6
|
| 6 |
Anthoxanthurn Puelii (Puel's Vernal Grass) |
6
|
| 17 |
Bromus mollis (Soft Brome Grass) |
6
|
| 16 |
Bromus secalinus (Rye-seeded Brome Grass) |
5
|
| 14 |
Festuca sciuroides (Squirrel-tail Fescue) |
6
|
| 3 |
Holcus lanatus (Yorksbire Fog) |
6
|
| 24 |
Poa annua (Annual Meadow Grass) |
10
|
The quantity of Grass and Clover Seeds (of the highest standard of germination and purity) sufficient to sow an acre of each species, the number of germinating seeds per acre, the average price per lb. for the ten years 1898 to 1907, and the average cost of the seeds per acre:
|
Name of Species
|
Quantity to sow a stat acre
|
Number of germ-inating seeds per acre
|
Average price of seeds per lb.
|
Average cost of the seeds per acre
|
| xx |
lb.
|
xx |
s. d.
|
s. d.
|
| Alopecurus pratensis (Meadow Foxtail) |
32
|
4,112,000
|
1/4
|
42/8
|
| Avena elatior (Tall Oat-like Grass) |
56
|
6,955,200
|
1/0
|
56/0
|
| Avena flavescens (Golden Oat Grass) |
18
|
20,160,000
|
3/0
|
54/0
|
| Cynosurus cristatus (Crested Dogstail) |
30
|
24,719,400
|
1/5
|
42/6
|
| Dactylis glomerata (Cocksfoot) |
30
|
12,141,000
|
0/11
|
27/6
|
| Festuca duriuscula (Hard Fescue) |
36
|
19,767,600
|
0/8-1/2
|
25/6
|
| Festuca elatior (Tall Fescue) |
50
|
11,808,000
|
1/3-1/2
|
64/7
|
| Festuca pratensis (Meadow Fescue) |
56
|
13,083,840
|
0/9-1/2
|
44/4
|
| Lolium italicum (Italian Ryegrass) |
48
|
12,700,800
|
0/3-3/4
|
15/0
|
| Lolium perenne (Perennial Ryegrass) |
56
|
11,988,480
|
0/3
|
14/0
|
| Phleum pratense (Catstail or Timothy) |
16
|
20,697,600
|
0/5-1/2
|
7/4
|
| Poa prat. (Smooth-stalked Meadow Grass) |
16
|
25,296,000
|
0/10-1/2
|
13/9
|
|
Poa trivialis (Rough-stalked Meadow Grass)
|
10
|
21,679,500
|
1/7
|
15/10
|
| Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow or Milfoil) |
8
|
25,272,000
|
4/9
|
38/0
|
| Anthyllis vulneraria (Kidney Vetch) |
24
|
4,539,360
|
0/11
|
22/0
|
| Cichorium intybus (Chicory) |
14
|
3,986,500
|
1/3-1/2
|
18/1
|
| Medicago lupulina (Trefoil or Y'low Clover) |
20
|
6,252,400
|
0/5-1/2
|
9/2
|
| Medicago sativa (Lucerne) |
24
|
5,268,480
|
0/11
|
22/0
|
| Petroselinum sativum (Parsley) |
30
|
5,865,000
|
0/6
|
15/0
|
| Poterium sanguisorba (Burnet) |
56
|
3,628,800
|
0/5
|
23/4
|
| Trifolium hybridum (Alsike Clover) |
12
|
8,443,680
|
1/0
|
12/0
|
| Trifolium pratense (Red or Broad Clover) |
16
|
3,637,760
|
0/10-1/2
|
14/0
|
| Trifolium prat. perenne (Per. Red Clover) |
16
|
3,418,240
|
1/0-1/2
|
16/8
|
| Trifolium prat. per. var. (Lt.flow'ing Red) |
16
|
3,418,240
|
1/3
|
20/0
|
| Trifolium repens (White or Dutch Clover) |
12
|
8,608,320
|
1/1
|
13/0
|
The quantity of any species of grass required to sow an acre depends (1) on the size and weight of the seeds (these vary considerably in the different species -- e.g. Avena elatior has 138,000 seeds in a lb., while Poa trivialis has over two millions); (2) the size of the plant, and its surface-covering capacity; grasses of large growth, such as cocksfoot, or those of spreading habit like Poa trivialis, require fewer plants to cover an acre than those of small or upright habit of growth. It is important, therefore, to take these matters, as well as the price of the seed, into consideration, if economy in seeding is to be practised, as the seed that is the lowest in price per lb. is not necessarily the cheapest per acre, nor is the seed that is highest in price per lb. the dearest.
Estimate of the relative productiveness (quantity of grass produced in one season) of various species of Grasses, when grown on soils and under conditions best suited to the different species, arranged in the order of their productiveness:
|
xName of Species
|
Estimated percentage of Productiveness
|
| Dactylis glomerata (Cocksfoot) |
100
|
| Festuca elatior (Tall Fescue) |
100
|
| Avena elatior (Tall Oat Grass) |
100
|
| Phleum pratense (Timothy) |
75
|
| Lolium italicum (Italian Ryegrass) |
75
|
| Lolium perenne (Perennial Ryegrass) |
70
|
| Festuca pratensis (Meadow Fescue) |
70
|
| Alopecurus pratensis (Meadow Foxtail) |
70
|
| Poa trivialis (Rough-stalked Meadow Grass) |
60
|
| Avena flavescens (Golden Oat Grass) |
55
|
| Poa pratensis (Smooth-stalked Meadow Grass) |
55
|
| Festuca duriuscula (Hard Fescue) |
50
|
| Anthoxanthum odoratum (Sweet Vernal) |
50
|
| Cynosurus cristatus (Crested Dogstail) |
45
|
| Poa nemoralis (Wood Meadow Grass) |
45
|
| Festuca ovina tenuifolia (Fine-leaved Fescue) |
40
|
The recorded weights of the produce of small trial plots of grasses, made for the purpose of ascertaining their relative productiveness, show such diversity of results (probably owing to the smallness of the plots and the varying conditions of soil, climate, etc.) that they cannot readily be made use of for practical purposes. As, however, a general idea of the weight of herbage produced in one season's growth by each of the grasses used in laying down land to grass is necessary to the proper selection of seeds of the most profitable kinds, the above estimate is submitted, and, while absolute accuracy is not claimed for it, yet it may probably be accepted as presenting a fair view of the relative amount of grass each species is capable of producing when grown under the most suitable conditions of soil, climate, moisture, etc.
Grasses arranged in the order of their cost for seeds required to sow a statute acre, the prices upon which the calculations are based being those for the last ten years:
|
Name of Species
|
Quantity to sow a stat acre
|
Average price of seeds per lb.
|
Average cost of the seeds per acre
|
| xx |
lb.
|
s. d.
|
s. d.
|
| Phleum pratense (Timothy) |
16
|
0/5-1/2
|
7/4
|
| Lolium perenne (Perennial Ryegrass) |
56
|
0/3
|
14/0
|
| Poa pratensis (Smooth-Stalked Meadow Grass) |
16
|
0/10-1/2
|
14/0
|
| Lolium italicum (Italian Ryegrass) |
48
|
0/3-1/2
|
15/0
|
|
Poa trivialis (Rough-stalked Meadow Grass)
|
10
|
1/7
|
15/10
|
| Poa nemoralis (Wood Meadow Grass) |
14
|
1/9
|
24/6
|
| Festuca duriuscula (Hard Fescue) |
6
|
0/8-1/2
|
25/6
|
| Festuca ovina tenuifolia (Fine-leaved Fescue) |
20
|
1/4
|
26/8
|
| Dactylis glomerata (Cocksfoot) |
30
|
0/11
|
27/6
|
| Cvnosurus cristatus (Crested Dogstail) |
30
|
1/5
|
42/6
|
| Alopecurus pratensis (Meadow Foxtail) |
32
|
1/4
|
42/8
|
| Festuca pratensis (Meadow Fescue) |
56
|
0/9-1/2
|
44/4
|
| Avena flavescens (Golden Oat Grass) |
18
|
3/0
|
54/0
|
| Avena elatior (Tall Oat Grass) |
56
|
1/0
|
56/0
|
| Festuca elatior (Tall Fescue) |
50
|
1/3-1/2
|
64/7
|
| Anthoxanthum odoratum (Sweet Vernal) |
36
|
2/0
|
72/0
|
The above table is intended to serve as a guide to the economical use of grass seeds. When making a selection of grasses, the following points should each receive due consideration:
- Productiveness.
- Suitability of the species for the soil and climate, and for the purpose for which the seeds are required.
- Cost of the seeds.
From the table of 'Estimate of Productiveness', it will be seen that some grasses are capable of producing more than double the quantity of herbage that other species can produce, while from the above table of the cost of seeds required to sow an acre, it will be observed that the difference in the cost of different seeds is very great. It must also be borne in mind that some of the species whose seeds are most expensive are inferior to others whose seeds are far cheaper. The price of seed depends on the cost of its production, and not on its real value or usefulness. Careful consideration of these matters is therefore necessary to a proper selection.
If the information given in these two tables is conjointly considered it will not be difficult to select grasses that are at once the most profitable and least expensive. Taking, for example, Phleum pratense (Timothy), which is the lowest priced seed in the above table, it will be found on reference to the table, that it ranks high as regards productiveness, so that this species readily takes its place as the cheapest grass seed, and therefore worthy of extensive use. On the other hand, Anthoxanthum odoratum (Sweet Vernal), the most expensive seed in the above table, will be found to be one of the least productive (and at the same time a grass of inferior quality), so that it may be considered as unworthy of notice from an agricultural point of view.
More Seed should be Used when the Land is not in Fine Tilth
The capacity of even the small delicate-seeded grasses for establishing themselves under unfavourable conditions of soil, etc., is remarkable, and, in my opinion, sowing on rough land means chiefly a loss of a portion of the seed sown, but it does not prevent the remaining portion from ultimately doing well. My views are these: If sown on a fine tilth, and under perfect conditions as regards moisture and heat, every seed having germinating capacity may be expected to germinate and establish itself, if not interfered with by birds or otherwise. If sown on soil not properly pulverized, a small and delicate grass seed falling on the outside of a clod might germinate, but might be scorched and killed by a day or two's hot sunshine and drought before it could obtain root-hold. If the same seed fell in a hollow, and was covered by a clod, it would have no chance of germinating, being too deeply covered. In both these cases the seeds are practically lost and the outcome of the matter is that, while with a fine tilth and suitable conditions as regards moisture and warmth, a perfect germination from all the seeds sown may be immediately obtained, sowing on rough land cannot possibly give such good results, as probably one-half of these fine seeds have fallen where they cannot succeed, and an extra allowance of seed should be sown on rough land to compensate for the seeds that will be lost.
Large-seeded grasses, such as cocksfoot, meadow and tall fescues, and ryegrasses, have naturally greater staying powers than the small-seeded grasses and the clovers.
It must be a question for the agriculturist to decide whether it will suit him best to prepare his land perfectly and sow less seed, or sow on rougher land and use more. It is often impossible to prepare land perfectly, and then there is nothing for it but to do the best one can in this respect, and not stint the seed when the land is rougher than it should be at the time of laying down.
Method of Mixing Permanent Grass and Clover Seeds to Ensure their Regular Distribution when Sown
In order to secure the most perfect distribution of the seeds of all the species over the entire surface of the field, it is recommended that the Light Seeds should form one mixture, and be sown at one operation; and the Heavy Seeds should form a second mixture, to be sown at a second operation.
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1st Mixture -- Light Seeds
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Cocksfoot
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Ryegrass
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Chicory
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Foxtail
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Hard Fescue
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Burnet
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Meadow Fescue
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Tall Fescue
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Any other species
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Meadow Grasses (Poas)
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Tall Oat Grass
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2nd Mixture -- Heavy Seeds
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Perennial Red Clover
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Late-flow. Red Clover
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Kidney Vetch
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Timothy Grass
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Alsike Clover
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Lucerne
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White Clover
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Yarrow
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Parsley
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To mix the seeds perfectly (a very important matter) they should be spread out in layers, one kind above another, on a clean floor, and then turned over with shovels several times until thoroughly mixed. It will be found most convenient to take each kind in the order stated above. Beginning then with Cocksfoot, spread this seed thinly and evenly on the floor (a wooden rake is most useful for spreading the seeds), then place the Foxtail thinly and evenly over the Cocksfoot, then similarly and successively the Meadow Fescue, Meadow Grasses, Ryegrass, Hard Fescue, Tall Fescue, etc. When all the seeds that are to form one mixture are thus laid down, proceed to throw the whole into a heap, and then, with the aid of wooden shovels, turn over the heap, from side to side of the room, three or four times, until the whole of the seeds have been thoroughly mixed. The mixture may then be put into bags ready for sowing. The second mixture should then be prepared in the same way.
Next: Appendix 2
On Some Notes on the Seed Trade and Grass Seeds Supplied by Mr. James Hunter, Agricultural Seed Merchant, Chester
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