158 FITTING SHEEP 



that condition known as bloom. In pasturing the rye field 

 with sheep it is better to divide the field into sections by 

 hurdles, or some other portable fence, than to allow the 

 flock the whole range of the field. Where grain is used the 

 troughs should be placed on the poorest. knolls or parts of the 

 field. Lambs creeps should be provided, so that the lambs 

 can feed ahead of the ewes, and thereby get the cream of the 

 crop. 



How to Raise Rape. 



In England rape is grown extensively. The climate of 

 that country is mild enough to allow of its standing the 

 winter and furnishing a most valuable feed for the ewes and 

 lambs in early spring, which enhances the growth of the 

 young lambs to an appreciable extent. Our winters here do 

 not allow of this, but as regards the growing of rape for late 

 summer and fall pastures, this country is everything that can 

 be desired. Rape is a lover of rich soil, although it is a fact 

 that the plant is not so much relished by the flock when 

 grown on soil that is very rich as it is when grown on a 

 comparatively poor soil. 



Rape can be sown in many parts of the country as early 

 as April. For late fall feeding June or even July is early 

 enough. I have found, however, that the early crop does 

 not always prove profitable, as the aphis or louse attacks it 

 badly. In appearance rape is not unlike a rutabaga that is 

 all tops and no bulb. 



About three pounds of seed to the acre will be found suffi- 

 cient for a good stand where the land is rich. It can be sown 

 either broadcast or drilled. Care must be observed not to 

 pasture rape when it is heavily laden with moisture from dew 



