396 OF STRAW, ITS VALUE, AND USES. 



as the price of hay may happen to be, whether 6d., Qd., 

 or Is. per stone tron, of 2| avoirdupois pounds each.* 



Mr Young observes, that the most valuable return made 

 by straw, is that of early white peas, applied to sheep, 

 which, if well harvested, is equal to good hay. Indeed, 

 some fanners are of opinion, that peas-straw, given to sheep, 

 when well harvested, is superior to hay; and on some 

 farms, where sheep make a part of the stock, peas are 

 sown wholly on their account. When there is not enough 

 of straw, or where the corn is of small consideration, the 

 unthreshed crop is given to the flock.f Dr Wilkinson 

 states, that peas-halm, when cut green, and dried sudden- 

 ]y, while in the full vigour of its sap, is fodder of a superior 

 quality, and that horses are found to thrive on it, nearly 

 as well as on hay.J When not well harvested, it ought to 

 be used in moderation. 



6. Tare-straw or Hay. This is an article by some farm- 

 ers strongly recommended ; for when the land has been 

 dunged, and the seed good, the produce is considera- 

 ble. The crop should be cut as soon as the blossoms 



* Communication from Robert Kerr, Esq. 



f When well harvested, and well kept, the straw of peas is found a 

 very nourishing food for farm-horses ; but if spoiled by bad weather in 

 harvest-time, it occasions gripes, and other complaints in their bowels, 

 which have not unfrequently resisted all the veterinary skill of the dis- 

 trict. Moray Report, p. 188. A remedy, however, namely, half an 

 ounce of laudanum, has been already pointed out. 



J Middlesex Report, p. 196. Note. In the southern parts of Eng- 

 land, where the tares are in general well harvested, tare-hay is much 

 valued ; but in Scotland, where the climate is not so favourable, though 

 horses are fond of green tares, I am informed they will hardly taste the 

 straw or hay, unless compelled by necessity. 



