QEA.IN CROPS. 81 



OATS. One of our most useful crops. Any soil answers, 

 and rough treatment ; oats require more rain than wheat 

 or barley, the yield being in proportion to the richness of 

 the soil and rainfall. When grown for grain, it is a winter 

 crop, sown in April or May, according to location ; for hay 

 or green feed, it can be sown as a catch crop from March to 

 August. The varieties in favor are Tartarian, Grey or 

 Angus, Potato, and Indian the two former for cool 

 districts, the latter for the coast and warmer localities. 

 For hay, as much as four bushels per acre are sown. From 

 a quarter to a half bushel of tares or vetches per acre 

 make an excellent mixture ; to the presence of vetches the 

 extra superiority of oaten hay from certain localities is 

 traceable. It has been said that the oat does well with 

 rough treatment. This is owing to the extraordinary 

 strength and searching powers of the roots ; but good 

 farming, draining, and manuring, all tell when the crop is 

 harvested. There is a great deal in sowing also, and in 

 acquaintance with the rainfall of the locality. The danger 

 of sowing too thick, and the attendant risk of the crop 

 falling or lodging in wet ground, are especially to be 

 guarded against. 



RYE. This grain is a favorite with the German 

 colonists. Otherwise, rye as a crop is neglected. It makes 

 capital bread, of dark colour; it is also used for poultry 

 and cattle. In the green state it is amongst the best food 

 for sheep, and is worthy of attention where sheep are kept 

 on the farm. Rye is grown under several names Broad 

 leaf, Midsummer, and Tyrolese ; but the varieties run into 

 each other so much that one description will answer. 

 Wheat land answers for rye ; as a rule, the cultivation for 

 wheat is suitable. The effects of drilling and after treat- 

 ment witli the harrow are very marked upon this crop, and 

 where it is sown late, say after June, and comes into 

 contact with the summer grasses, after-harrowing should 

 not be neglected. Rye is a good hay crop in wet seasons, 

 when it may be sown as thickly as may be de.sired (say 

 five bushels per acre). The stiffness of the straw prevents 

 it from lodging, and when half a bushel of tares or vetches 

 are sown with the rye, the mixture is excellent for stock 



