MEADOW

A flat surface under gra , generally on the banks of a river or lake; but so far above the surface of the water as to be considerably drier than marsh land, and, consequently, to produce gra and herbage of a superior quality. The soil of meadow lands is generally alluvial, and more or le mixed with sand; and it is kept in a state of fertility by the depositions made on its surface, in consequence of being oqpasionally overflowed by the adjoining river or lake. The produce of meadows is generally made into hay, which, though not equal in quality to that produced on drier gra lands, is yet superior to what is obtained from marshes. [s. 736]