190 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



known. The above named varieties lead one to believe thpt 

 these oats afford a source of protein and carbohydrates which 

 may be produced on Maine farms at a cost equal to if not less 

 than the amount paid for feeds of no greater value sold in the 

 market. Whether or not the farmer can produce oats profitably 

 for feeding live stock is a question largely dependent on his 

 system of farm management. It is not impossible for fertile 

 soils to produce an average of 60 bushels of oats and even 

 more, per acre, in successive seasons. Many farmers through- 

 out Canada are practising the sowing of mixed grain, for 

 example, wheat and oats, wheat, oats and barley, barley and 

 oats, etc. It is a fact that greater yields are obtained by seed- 

 ing these mixtures than by either one alone. Obviously it is 

 essential to sow varieties that mature at about the same time. 

 Oats, wheat and barley are admirably adapted for growth 

 amid the climatic conditions of Maine. These plants thrive in 

 a cool, moist climate and therefore it seems that these crops 

 should be more extensively grown and carefully handled in 

 Maine. 



