92 



EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. 



64 VICTORIA, A. 1901 



pared, and the plot sown July 23 partly in drills 18 inches apart and partly broadcast. 

 The land being rather dirty and in a poor state of tilth, this plot did not do very well. 

 The part sown broadcast was a very light crop indeed. The part sown in drills did 

 very much better, however, as it was possible to cultivate by means of the hand- 

 wheel hoe. 



Plots 1 land 2 were cut and used as soiling crops for steers, calves, pigs and sheep. 

 It was impossible to get any idea of the exact feeding value from the animals fed. 

 The cteers, ten in number, averaged 1,000 pounds weight and made gains at the rate 

 of 2 pounds per diem each while on the rape, no grain being fed. 



A lot of ten steer calves were given a good feed daily and appeared to enjoy the 

 juicy leaves and stems very much, and to thrive thereon. 



The pigs to which it was thrown in small quantities daily ate it with avidity, 

 and were quite evidently much benefited by the same. 



Sheep were allowed to feed upon lot 5, and ate it down quite close. As soon as 

 turned upon the rape, they began to improve in flesh. 



Lambs pastured on a part of lot 1 did well for some time, but did not seem to 

 thrive so well after a few weeks. The rape, however, was not at fault, I think. 



The greatest value of the crop would appear to be as a pasture for pigs. 



A study of six pigs put to pasture on lot 4, August 14 last, is most interesting. 

 The data obtained is as follows : — 



LOT OF SIX PIGS ON RAPE PASTURE. 



Statement of cost of proceeds of the above lot of six pigs : — ' 



To 6 pigs at $3 $18 00 



3-16 acres rape at $14.17 per acre 2 66 



2,067 lbs. meal at 90c. per cwt 18 60 



Gross cost $89 26 



By 1,127 lbs. pork at $6 per cwt $07 62 



Profit on lot 28 36 



Profit per pig. 4 73 



From a study of the habits of the pigs pasturing on plot 4, 1 should say that the best 

 results would be secured by sowing the rape in rows 24 to 30 inches apart at the rate 

 of about 3 pounds of seed (Dwarf Essex) to the acre. When thus sown this can be culti- 

 vated by horse-power when young, and has a tendency to branch out and develop a 

 large leaf crop rather than go to stem. 



