48 FORAGE CHOPS 



suitable variety of rye is one that makes a large 

 growth of leaf, although any variety may be 

 improved in this respect by proper seed selecting 

 and manuring. The common winter rye is gener- 

 ally used, although Excelsior, Thousandfold and 

 Giant are all desirable, since, in order to obtain 

 a large yield of grain, there is a heavy leaf 

 development. 



In the southern states, and as far north as 

 southern New Jersey, spring rye is frequently used 

 as a forage crop, as well as for grain. This plant 

 has not succeeded well as far north as central New 

 Jersey, although fair crops have been obtained 

 when the plant has been used as a grain crop. It 

 does not possess any peculiar advantages, and is 

 not recommended in preference to other spriug- 

 seeded crops, on which greater dependence can 

 usually be placed. 



When conditions are not favorable for soiling 

 (to which it is best adapted), rye makes an excel- 

 lent pasture; and while but one-third to one-half 

 as much food is obtained as from soiling, it can be 

 used through a longer period, provided it is not 

 pastured too closely in its early growth. Pasturing 

 is a favorite method of utilizing rye in many dairy 

 districts, and the crop serves a most excellent pur- 

 pose as a source of food as well as to protect the 

 regular pastures from injury from too early use. 

 If weather conditions are favorable later, a light 



