RErORT OF TEE AGRICULTURIST 809 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 



Cost to produce 1 ton $ 2 .05 



Cost to produce 1 bushel 6 "15 



Digestible dry matter in 1 ton 371 lbs. 



Cost of 100 lbs. digestible dry matt t 55 cts. 



Cost to grow 1 acre for forage $35 76 



EAPE. 



This forage plant has come rather slowly to the front in Ontario, and is practic- 

 ally unknown in the other provinces of the Dominion. As the production of pork, 

 mutton and beef increases, however, it is certain to come more into common use. 

 As a feed for young stock of any description it is unequalled. As a supplementary 

 ration for pigs and lambs it is unrivalled. As a partial ration for ' feeders ' when 

 first stabled in autumn it is unexcelled. 



The greatest returns from a given area are secured by using as a soiling crop. 

 Excellent results are obtained by pasturing. When sown early and cut for feed it 

 will grow up again. When pastured off not too closely, a growth of nourishing succu- 

 lent forage is constantly available. 



It may be grown with a cover crop or independently. When sown with barley 

 or oats, good results may frequently be anticipated. Under such conditions, how- 

 ever, it is very much more influenced by the vagaries of the weather. When sown 

 alone it may be put in broadcast or in rows. When the soil is strong and the season 

 somewhat advanced, it is occasionally advisable to sow broadcast. Generally speak- 

 ing, it should be sown in rows from 21 to 30 inches apart. Where the rows are close 

 together, a somewhat greater portion of the plant goes to stalk rather than leaves 

 which are the most nutritious. In rows 30 inches apart there is ample room for full 

 leaf development ; besides, it is much easier to cultivate and keep in a vigorous 

 growing condition. 



Kape is a greedy feeder and will do well on the richest land. We have never 

 Been land too strong for it. It is not particular as to the kind of soil in which it shall 

 grow, but is imperative in its demands for large supplies of food. A soil rich in 

 humus is much to its liking. 



The plant is quite as rich in protein or flesh forming material as are the legumes. 

 It adds nothing to the soil, however, but is on the contrary rather exhaustive. Where 

 fed off on the field it improves the condition of the land. Rape may not be cured for 

 winter use. If cut late in the autumn, however, and left in small piles to freeze, 

 it may be brought in later, and after being perfectly thawed out may be fed to steers 

 or other cattle. 



The preparation of the soil is important. A well rotted sod should be chosen. 

 It should be thoroughly cultivated to a fair depth, say,- 6 inches. The seed should 

 then be sown on the flat, unless in very wet soil, when it is preferable to ridge. The 

 seed is sown at about the same rate per acre as turnip seed. The land must be culti- 

 vated between the rows for some weeks. The plants should not be thinned in the 

 rows. Under fair conditions the crop may be pastured about the eighth week. It 

 may be cut for soiling about the tenth week. 



The seeds of several varieties are on the market. A test of some of these was 

 made this year. Three varieties were sown under similar conditions on similar soil 

 at the rate of three pounds per acre. The results were as follows : — 



Plot 1. — I acre, sown May 20, in drills 30 inches apart. 



Lot 1. Duarf Victoria. — Growth weak, drying out, not desirable. 



Lot 2. Dwarf Essex. — GroAvth strong, best of first set. 



Lot 3. Broad Leaved. — Growth fairly strong, not as broad leaved as Lot 2. 



The plot appeared to have been sown too early or should have been fed earlier. 



