108 SOILING CROPS AND THE SILO. 



On soils with high adaptation for peas, the medium 

 varieties are to be preferred and on soils opposite in 

 character the larger varieties. 



Nor can the proportion of seed to be sown in 

 the mixture be definitely stated. On clay loams, 

 peas and oats are frequently sown in equal quantities 

 by measure, and with satisfactory results. On other 

 soils peas should greatly preponderate in the mix- 

 ture-, and yet again the same is true of oats. From 

 two to three bushels of the mixture are sown per 

 acre, and in some instances even a larger quantity. 

 The best method of sowing this crop and the propor- 

 tions of seed that ought to be sown can only be deter- 

 mined for each locality by actual test. 



It will usually be found that the best yields will 

 be obtained by sowing peas and oats early rather 

 than late, but to prolong the feeding period it is 

 necessary sometimes to sow at successive intervals. 

 The results will of course be influenced by the char- 

 acter of the season. 



Some few varieties of peas would probably 

 prove very suitable in providing soiling food, at 

 least under certain conditions when sown alone. 

 The crown pea and the grass pea are of this class. 

 Their straw is more upright and branching than 

 other varieties, and in consequence is less liable to 

 lodge. These two varieties are at least worthy of 

 being given a trial. 



Cultivation. When peas have been grown alone 

 or in conjunction with some other kind of grain, 

 and for the purpose of providing soiling food, har- 

 rowing the crop once or twice is the only form of 

 cultivation that can be given to it. A light harrow 



