270 FORAGE CHOPS 



too large seeding of oats prevents a large growth 

 of the vetch. The plant is trailing in habit. If 

 conditions are favorable, it will make a very much 

 thicker growth than the Canada field pea, and pro- 

 vide excellent forage, being very palatable and 

 highly digestible when in the best stage for feed- 

 ing. It requires a longer period for maturing, and 

 this extends the time during which the forage 

 may be used, — a very important advantage, par- 

 ticularly in dry seasons. 



The composition of the oat -and -vetch forage 

 does not differ greatly from that of the oats-and- 

 peas. The crop may also be made into hay of an 

 excellent quality, and it is readily cured. 



Hairy or winter vetch 



The sand, winter or hairy vetch ( Vicia villosa) 

 is another species that thrives on poor soils, and 

 is useful as an early spring forage, withstanding 

 the w^inter and growing in spring. Owing to its 

 trailing habit, it should not be seeded alone 

 (except as a green- manure or cover-crop), but 

 with rye or wheat, preferably wheat for the cen- 

 tral states, in August or September. It is desir- 

 able to have the soil well prepared in order to 

 encourage an early and rapid fall growth, as well 

 as to ensure a large crop in spring. It should be 

 seeded at the rate of about one -half to one bushel 



