LEOFMINOITB PLANTS. 139 



but this scarcely affects them when they are gathered and 

 thrown into heaps. If the ground is not wanted for other 

 uses, they may stand till the latest pods assume a yellow 

 color. They are pulled with ease when the plant is mature 

 as the fibres of the root are by that time dead. This is 

 more quickly accomplished with an iron hook-rake, or if 

 the stalks are partially green they can be mown. The 

 vines if not dry should remain for a while in small heaps 

 and afterwards collected in larger piles around stakes set at 

 convenient distances, with the roots in the centre and secured 

 at the top by a wisp of straw ; and when well dried, they 

 should be threshed, cleaned and spread till quite free from 

 dampness. The straw or haulm is an excellent fodder for 

 sheep and should be stacked for their use. Beans are one 

 of the best kinds of winter food for sheep when fed in small 

 quantities. Sixty bushels have been raised on an acre worth 

 from $1 to $2 per bushel. Sheep are the only animal 

 which eats them raw, but swine, cattle and poultry will 

 thrive on them boiled. 



THE ENGLISH FIELD BEAN (Viciafaba) 



Is cultivated under many varieties in Europe and particu- 

 larly in Great Britain, as a field crop for the use of horses 

 and other animals. Among these are the Windsor, the tick } 

 the long pods and others. Arthur Young prefers " the com- 

 mon little horse-bean as being more generally marketable." 

 We have tried several of these varieties and although 

 entirely successful, have found them less adapted to our 

 climate and agriculture than the ordinary crops. They pre- 

 fer strong clay or clay loam soils. 



THE TARE, VETCH OR FITCH (Vicia satira) 



Is an important field crop in Europe for its stem and 

 leaves as animal food. It is hardy and productive and con- 

 sidered valuable for green fodder or soiling. There are 

 two kinds, the winter and spring. It is partial to a clay, 

 but grows indifferently on any rich soil which is not too dry. 

 It is sown broadcast or in drills, but generally the former, 

 on well pulverized lands and covered with the harrow, 

 demanding no after attention but the extermination of weeds. 

 They are most useful for soiling, but may be fed on the 

 ground or cut for hay. Tares have hitherto been little 

 grown in this country," but in certain soils and situations 



