LEGUMINOUS PLANTS. 



165 



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. If the vines are not dry, let them remain for 

 a while in small heaps, and afterwards collect 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. When 

 well dried, thresh, clean and spread them till they are quite 

 free from dampness. 



Uses for Farm stock. The straw or haulm is an excel- 

 lent fodder for sheep, and it ought always to be stacked for 

 their use. Sheep are the only animals which eat them raw ; 

 and for them, no species of grain is better suited than the 

 bean, when fed in moderate quantities. Swine, cattle and 

 poultry, will thrive on them when boiled. Sixty bushels 

 have been raised on an acre, worth from one to two dollars 

 per bushel. 



THE ENGLISH FIELD BEAN (Vicia faba). 



Is cultivated under many varieties in Europe, and partic- 

 ularly 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 

 common little horse-bean as being more generally marketa- 

 ble." I have raised several of these varieties, and although 

 entirely successful, have found them less adapted to our cli- 

 mate and agriculture, than the ordinary crops. They prefer 

 a strong clay, or loamy clay soils. 



THE TARE, VETOH OR FITCH (V. sativa, Fig. 41). 



Of this there are two kinds, the 

 winter and the spring, both of 

 which are hardy and productive. 

 It is deemed an important crop in 

 Europe, where it is much cultiva- 

 ted for green fodder or soiling, and 

 frequently it is used as pasturage, 

 or cut and cured for hay. It is par- 

 tial to 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 except the exter- 

 mination of weeds. Tares have 



Fro. 41. 



