848 [Assembly 



be affected by the frosts and heaving of the earth in the winter. 

 This husbandry will always be promoted by the fact that it may 

 be condvicted at a period when the other occupations of the farm 

 are not urgent. A variety of this grain, known as the "Multi- 

 cole Rye," has been introduced in this county within a few years, 

 and promises the most favorable influence in extending this cul- 

 ture. It is distinguished hy its hardy character and vigorous 

 growth. It bears a head and kernel almost twice the size of the 

 ordinary black rye, and largely exceeds the product of the latter. 



The i.nmense consumption of horse feed by the great teaming oc- 

 cupation of this region, creates a ready and important demand 

 for Rye, Wheat and Oat-straw, which cut and mingled with grain, 

 affords a highly valuable provender. The average product of 

 this crop may be estimated at about fifteen bushels per acre. No 

 grain is more essentially affected by the period of sowing. In 

 Essex county, from the 1st to 10th September is regarded as the 

 season most favorable to this process. When th'is term is passed, 

 the experienced cultivator prefers to delay to the latest hour al- 

 lowed by the approach of winter. The grain, which is early 

 sown, becomes firmly and deeply rooted, and thus protected from 

 the action of the frosts, while numerous sprouts proceed from the 

 same germ. Deposited late, the grain does not sprout until spring, 

 and thus the risk is avoided to which the intermediate sowing is 

 exposed, of an insufficient rooting, sparse and feeble sprouts, and 

 the effects of winter. The pasturage of sheep upon Rye, on light 

 and open soil, alike in the spring and fall, is esteemed highly 

 beneficial to the crops, by pressing the earth about the roots of 

 the plants, and in producing an increased vegetation. This crop 

 is considered in the town of Ncwcomb (Adirondac), alone inferior 

 to oats in its successful culture, yielding usually about eighteen 

 bushels^ to the acre.* 



Oats. — The amount of this crop, produced in Essex county, ex- 

 ceeds the sum of all the other grains combined, and probably 

 equals it in value. It is cultivated on all varieties of soil, and in 

 every district of the county. The heaviest crops I examined 

 standing in the field, were those in the openings of the forests 



• A. Ralph. 



