CROPS OF MINOK IMPORTANCE. 25 



Chkat {Bi-omus seva1inuf<). — In the oastern Tnitod States this o-vass 

 is known us a bad weed in grain Holds. l)ut in the Wilhiniette \^illey 

 of western Oregon it is used (juite extensively for hay. It is eonnnon 

 to see cheat sown along the draws or other low portions of grain fields. 

 Mr. T. H. Cooper, a farmer near Corvallis who utilizes cheat in this 

 way, sows the seed broadcast in the fall at the rate of 1 to li l)ushel8 

 per acre. He cuts the hay when it is in the dough state, which is 

 altout the last of June. The yield of seed is about 40 })ushels per acre, 

 a bushel weighing 85 to 40 pounds. It is quite probable that cheat 

 could be used for forage in other localities. 



Perenmal rye grass {LoJ'nun j^tmitn). — This is commonly grown 

 in the ^^'ilhunette Valley and in some other parts of Oregon and 

 Washington and proves to be a good grass for pasture and hay. 

 Although not considered as a grass for dry regions, the trials at the 

 experiment stations of Kansas, Colorado, and Wyoming indicate that 

 it stands well as a drought-resisting grass. The variety known as 

 Italian rye grass scarcely ditiers from this, except in usually having 

 the chaff or flowering glume provided with a l)ristle at the ti]), and in 

 growing somewhat taller. 



Rape (/i/v/.v.svVv/ fxfjfx.s). — A plant to be reconnncnded for pasture 

 in the cooler parts of the Northwest is rape. It is now used to a lim- 

 ited extent in several localities, especially in the Rocky Mountain 

 region. As a forage plant for sheep and as succulent forage for sum- 

 mer and fall, rape is to be, highly recommended. It is not easily 

 injured by frost and hence is available as fall feed. The seed should 

 be sown in June or July, and rape may consequently be grown as a 

 catch crop after grain or other early maturing crops. Where there is 

 sufficient moisture the seed may l)e sown luoadcast, but in the drier 

 regions much better results are obtained by sowing in drills far enough 

 apart to permit of cultivation. In eight to ten weeks from sowing it 

 is ready for use, and sheep can be turned into the tield to pasture off 

 the succulent growth. It is also an excellent feed for cattle, but they 

 are likely to waste more by trampling than smaller stock. 



Field peas {Pisum arvense). — This leguminous plant is adapted for 

 use as a forage plant in the northern portion of the Northwest and 

 farther south in the mountains. At present it seems to be grown to 

 a comparatively limited extent, but it is worthy of culture to a much 

 greater degree. Canada field peas can scarcely compete with alfalfa 

 in the regions where the latter can be grown; but where alfalfa is not 

 successful on account of the cooler climate the peas are an excellent 

 substitute, in that they are rich in protein, and hence have a high 

 feeding value. It is best to sow them with grain — oats, wheat, or 

 barley being used for the combination — at the rate of 1 to li bushels 

 of peas to an equal quantity of grain. The crop can be cut for hay or 

 used for pasture. 



