330 Season for Sowing. 



SECT. X. Season for Sowing. 



THE period of sowing the different grains, varies so much, 

 according to situation, soil, climate, species, and a 

 number of other circumstances, that it is impossible to lay 

 down any general rule, but this, " That early sowing is, on 

 " the whole, to be recommended ( 9S )." It has been found, 

 by a number of accurate experiments, registered in Dr Hun- 

 ter's Georgical Essays, that, in England, from the middle of 

 September to the middle of October is the best time to sow 

 wheat. It is true, that all farmers cannot complete their 

 seeding within this time, but it is important, that they should 

 attend to it as far as it is practicable. 



On several accounts it is desirable, to sow before winter, 

 or early in that season, to as great an extent as circum- 

 stances will admit of : 1. Because, when a good deal of work 

 is over in winter, there is less to do in the spring ; 2. Be- 

 cause, when the seed is sown in winter, a less quantity will 

 suffice ; 3. Because, the crop will be ripened earlier, which, 

 in times of scarcity, may prevent the calamities of famine ; 

 4. Because, when a crop is sooner ripe, it is less liable to 

 disease in its progress, or to injury in time of harvest; 

 and, 5. Because, it may be possible to obtain a second crop 

 in the course, even, of that year. This is frequently the 

 case in Flanders, and even in England, where " stubble tur- 

 " nips" as they are called, are often raised. 



On all these grounds, it is well entitled to the conside- 

 ration of the farmers of Great Britain and Ireland, whether 

 two sorts of grain, barley and oats, commonly sown in spring, 

 may not, to a certain extent, be sown previous to winter. 



In regard to barley, the two-rowed grain will not answer ; 

 but there can be little doubt that the four-rowed, or the 

 six-rowed varieties, would succeed. The Flemish derive 

 great advantage from the cultivation of sucrion, or winter 

 barley, which they greatly prefer to the spring. It ripens 

 earlier, is more productive ( 9<J ), sells at a higher price, and 

 yields a greater quantity of malt liquor, or spirits. A valua- 

 ble crop of turnips may likewise be raised after it ( 97 ). 



As to oats, autumnal sowing is strongly recommended by 

 its success in Ireland. The plan is not calculated, however, 

 for cold or poor soils ; but in rich and fertile land, there 

 can hardly be a doubt of its success. The oats should be 

 sown in September, or the beginning of October. As the 

 crop will tiller in the spring, about half the usual quantity 

 of seed will be sufficient. This practice answers best in a 



