512 FIELD AND GARDEN PRODUCTS 



failures have resulted from broadcasting the seed of winter barley 

 that it is not considered wise to sow it in that way. However, as 

 some may desire to try winter barley who do not have a drill, the 

 following directions are given: 



Prepare a good seed bed, at least 4 inches deep > and sow evenly 

 from 10 to 12 pecks of seed to the acre. Harrow deeply so that the 

 seed is well covered, as this is the secret of success with winter bar- 

 ley. Cross harrowing will distribute the seed more evenly. Fer- 

 tilizers should be added to give the plants a strong, vigorous start. 



(Harvesting, Thrashing, etc., are the same as treated generally 

 under Barley.) 



(Barley References. F. B. 427, 443; B. P. I. Cir. 5; Div. Bot- 

 any 23; Tukegee Nor. & Ind. Inst. E. S. 8; Colo. Ag. Col. E. S. 40; 

 Ga. A. E. S. 44; Iowa Ag. Col. E. S. 45, 55; Kans. St. Ag. Col. E. S. 

 127, 144, 166; Mich. St. Ag. Col. E. S. 28; Mont, Ag. Col. E. S. 84; 

 N. H. Col. A. E. S. 145; N. Mex. A. E. S. 8; N. Dak. A. E. S. 75; 

 Utah Ag. Col. E. S. 56; U. Wyo. A. E. S. 83, Rpt. 1900.) 



RYE. 



As rye grows vigorously in the poorest soil, it should logically 

 be placed upon well drained and light land, both to escape the water 

 and to make the best use of the soil. The best crop can be produced, 

 however, on medium soil in good fertility. Soil containing too much 

 nitrogen, as the result of applications of fertilizers, is not desirable, 

 as it tends to produce a rank growth of straw, with the consequent 

 liability to lodging. Rye usually succeeds a manure crop, such as 

 corn or potatoes. 



Rye is divided into two classes, spring and winter. Only winter 

 ryes are of any importance in the United States. 



This crop can be sown in the standing corn at the last cultiva- 

 tion in July and will afford considerable pasturage for all stock. It 

 is often thus sown either alone or mixed with rape for lambs or 

 sheep being fattened for market. If seeded on especially prepared 

 ground the crop will come on much earlier and give considerable 

 more fall feed. Seed at the rate of l 1 /^ bushels per acre. In pastur- 

 ing cows on rye the change from other feeds to rye should be grad- 

 ual to avoid possible taint of milk. Rye can also be grown as a 

 forage crop for early spring use. It is becoming more general as a 

 cover crop, for which purpose it is valuable. 



The grain of rye is darker in color than that of wheat, but is 

 otherwise similar in appearance. Rye flour differs from wheat flour in 

 flavor, the liking for the one or the other being a matter of prefer- 

 ence. It differs, however, in another way and in an important par- 

 ticular its gluten has not the same elastic, tenacious quality and 

 does not yield so light and well-raised a loaf. Although this fact 

 and its dark color make it less popular than wheat, it is second in 

 importance as a breadstuff. It is more easily raised than wheat, espe- 

 cially in cold countries, and therefore generally has a lower market 

 value. When it is milled entire, as it usually is, it contains more 

 protein than wheat flour, but is probably less completely digested. 



