AGRICULTURAL TEXT-BOOK. 



cliaracter. As wheat is the cereal of the clay, so rye is the ce 

 real of the sandy soils. It will, however, grow well on all soils 

 if rendered suficiently friable, and not damp. 



216. As will be observed by the analysis, (208,) the princi 

 pal inorganic constituents are Potash, Soda, Magnesia, and Phos 

 phoric acid, but the per centage of ash is very small, rarely, if 

 ever, above 2 per cent, of the dry grain. Wood ashes, either 

 unleashed or leached are the most available manures. 



217. Rye is sown as a winter and spring crop, generally as 

 the former. One plowing is given and the seed dragged in. 

 If more care is taken in the preparation of the soil the crop will 

 be larger. It is a custom in some localities to sow rye among 

 standing corn, hoeing it in, and leaving the ground as level as 

 possible. After the corn is removed, the rye is rolled. Har 

 rowing and rolling in the spring, are recommended. 



218. The time of sowing in the fall is, in the Northern States, 

 from 20th August to 20th September. From 1-J to two bush 

 els of seed are sown, the richest lands demanding most. In 

 spring it should be sown as early as the climate will permit. 



219. In other respects, the culture, harvesting, &c., resemble 

 those of wheat. 



220. If cut before fully ripe, the grain makes better flour, 

 and in larger quantity ; but if intended for seed it should be 

 fully ripened. 



221. In some countries, rye and wheat are sown together. 

 In England this mixture is called Mcsling, Mescelin, or Mas- 

 /?, (from an old French word mester, to mingle.) 



222. Rye is frequently sown for fodder, being either pastured 

 during the winter and spring, or cut green for soiling stock in 

 stables. It affords a large amount of valuable food, and the 

 crop of grain is improved by pasturing to a certain point. 



