OATS 



11 



the Biirt oat cannot safely be planted in the fall, for it is 



frequently winter-killed. It is essentially a variety for 



sowing after Christmas. It is the earliest of the commonly 



grown varieties of the Southern region. I 



Its earliness, together with its great 



height of straw, are in its favor when 



the date of sowing is late. The grain 



weighs less per bushel than Red oats, 



and shatters much more easily when 



harvested. 



12. Turf or Grazing oats. Among 

 the names given to this variety, or to 

 strains of it, are Gray, Virginia Gray; 

 Winter, Turf, and Myers' Turf. This 

 is the hardiest of the varieties, and has 

 been known to survive the winters a 

 little higher than the latitude of northern 

 Virginia. It is practically safe against winter-killing 

 throughout the cotton-belt; yet it is not so hardy as 

 wheat. 



The grain is slender and of a gray or light dun color. 

 Usually there are beards on one grain in each spikelet. 

 This oat branches or stools freely, thus making it especially 

 valuable for pasturing, and winning for it the name of 

 " grazing oats." The straw is tall and slender. 



This variety ripens about two weeks later than Red Rust-proof 

 oats sown at the same time. It is much more susceptible to rust ; 

 and on poor land or with unfavorable seasons it often fails to 

 produce plump, well-filled grains. Its best place is in the region 

 just north of the cotton-belt. 



Turf oats are unsuitable for sowing after Christmas. This 

 variety requires earlier planting in the fall than Red oats. 



FIG. 7. SPIKELETS 

 OF BUBT OATS. 



Note shortness of 

 basal bristles, which 

 are barely visible. 



