302 Report of Farmers' Institutes 



of barley than of oats, but it does not require more than three- 

 fifths as much water to mature the crop and it may be matured 

 in the hottest weather, which gives it another advantage over oats 

 under some conditions. 



One of the most profitable rotations practiced in this state, but 

 not extensively followed, is clover, potatoes and wheat. This rota- 

 tion may be carried on with one plowing; but, as thorough cul- 

 tivation is essential to good farm.ing, it may not be the best prac- 

 tice. Potatoes feed deep, and but little from the surface of the 

 land. The cultivation which good potato culture demands sets 

 plant food free in considerable quantities. When the land is not 

 plowed before sowing to wheat, this crop gets the available plant 

 food readily. Wheat does best on a firm seed bed, which is another 

 argument in favor of this practice. 



In the northern portion of thje state, wheat and beans cannot be 

 grown very well, and smaller varieties of corn must be grown than 

 farther south. Potatoes and oats, which are both cold-blooded 

 plants, thrive well in this latitude and should be extensively 

 grown. The practice of growing winter vetch in oats, especially 

 in this section of the state, is rapidly on the increase ; and but 

 for the high price of seed would be more generally used. Many 

 farmers are now growing their own seed, which will tend to en- 

 courage its more general use. Vetch sowed with oats, at the rate 

 of ten or twelve pounds of vetch seed and two bushels or less of 

 oats to the acre, will add to the value of the straw, making it 

 about equal to mixed hay. The vetch will live over winter and 

 make a good crop to plow under the next spring, if the land has 

 not been seeded to grass. If the land has been seeded it adds to 

 the bulk and quality of the hay. 



In the Hudson Piver valley soy beans are a valuable plant in 

 the rotation, many times taking the place of oats. They probably 

 will not be extensively grown in this manner except in the warmer 

 portions of the state. When grown with com to be put in the 

 silo they are a very valuable plant and may be successfully grown 

 in any portion of the state, if the right varieties are planted. 



Legumes should be used in the rotation whenever practicable. 

 Their value as soil builders is well Imown and they furnish a 

 food richer in protein than any other plants. 



