144 AGRICULTURAL TEXT-BOOK. 



339, Buckwheat is used as food for man and animals, and ie 

 decidedly nutritious. Its fattening qualities are found in prac 

 tice to be higher than could be supposed from analysis; and 

 the meat formed by it is of peculiarly fine quality. The outer 

 husk being hard, this grain should always be ground or cooked 

 before feeding. 



340. The uncrushed grain, and the fresh straw produce a remarkable 

 arid hitherto unexplained effect upon swine. If allowed to feed in a 

 newly harvested buckwheat field, the head and ears are attacked by an 

 eruption, with apparently intense itching, while the animal presents all 

 the symptoms of intoxication. In severe cases death ensues. So, like 

 wise, the fresh grain fed whole in large quantities, disorders the bowels ; 

 but if ground or cooked, these symptoms are not observed. In the latter 

 case the husk is passed by the animal entirely undigested. Further 

 investigation is necessary to explain these phenomena. 



341. The straw is harsh, and not relished by horned cattle; 

 but horses will eat all except the coarsest parts, and keep in 

 good condition upon this alone. Buckwheat straw, unthrashed, 

 and cut up is excellent fodder for working horses. It must be 

 kept in a dry place, as it readily absorbs moisture, ferments, 

 and spoils. If boiled, the straw will form a thick jelly. 



342. Buckwheat is frequently sown for the purpose of plow 

 ing in as a green manure to precede the wheat crop. Though 

 not equal to clover, it is yet beneficial to lands deficient in 

 organic matter. It should be turned under when beginning to 

 blossom. 



343. The lighter class of soils is supposed to be the best for this 

 grain, but it will prosper on any except the heaviest. Generally*, 

 the land receives but one plowing, and a light harrowing ; from 

 2 to 3 pecks of seed to the acre are sown broadcast, and then 

 well harrowed in. In the latitude of Michigan, about the 20th 

 June, is the best time to sow ; but we have known good crops 

 to succeed barley, when the frosts were late. 



344. In harvesting, the best mode is to cradle it ; rake it 



