CHAPTER XI 

 OTHER CEREALS 



Oats. — Oats are a crop that was brought into use first in 

 the Old World. Their use does not seem to be so old as that 

 of wheat, but they have been known and used for centuries. 

 They are raised mostly within the north temperate zone. The 

 north-central part of the United States and Canada grow 

 most of the oats produced in America. However, oats grow- 

 ing is extending in the southern states. Oats have come to be 

 largely used for making breakfast foods, as well as for live 

 stock feeding, so that their production is increasing. 



Oats are adapted to cool, moist climates, and for that reason 

 the oats grown in northern climates are of better quality than 

 those grown in southern sections. The northern varieties 

 weigh more per bushel and have fewer beards on the hulls of 

 the kernels. Southern varieties are frequently so beardy that 

 they will not feed through the drill for sowing. The varieties 

 of northern climates are usually white in color (there are some 

 black varieties); those of the south are dirty white, dun and 

 reddish brown. 



Soil and Preparation of Seed Bed. — Oats are suited to 

 any soil except the very rich and the very sandy. A clay loam 

 soil well drained is best. Oats usually do not need manur- 

 ing and fertilizing like wheat, for they depend upon the left- 

 over fertility of the last crop. In the corn belt states oats are 



