100 FALLOWING. 



OATS. 



The oat is, among grain, what the ass is among ani- 

 inals — -very little respected, but very extensively em- 

 ployed. In the poorest soil and with the smallest pos- 

 sible labour, oats give something ; but because they do 

 not give much, (in circumstances under which other 

 grains would give nothing,) we infer, that the grain it- 

 self is a poor one. This is considered a better crop 

 than barley to sow grass seeds with. Oats succeed well 

 after almost every sort of green and root crop, but should 

 uot be cultivated after wheat, rye, or barley, where it 

 can possibly be avoided. In a succession of crops, oati 

 may sometimes be sown to advantage the first year af- 

 ter the breaking up, before the land can be made mel- 

 low and deep enough for oiher crops. (See rotation 

 of crops.) Being hardy they vmy be cuhivated upon 

 almost any kind of soii ; but are most productive on 

 such as aie strong, nch, and adhesive. 



The quantity recommended to be sown, by different 

 writers varies from one and a half to four bushels per 

 acre ; from two to three bushels, however, may be con- 

 sidered most proper. To change the seed occasionally 

 is recommended. 



Generally, it is best to sow oats as soon as the ground 

 ean be properly prepared in the spring; but where land 

 is not liable to be much affected by drought, they may 

 be sown at an} time that will enable the crop to ripen 

 before the close of the season. A late crop of oats is 

 very effectual in destroying weeds. It would be a great 

 improvement to have the seed steeped, and the land 

 roiled, as for barley. In whatever way they are culti- 

 rated, they require the ground to be well stirred up and 

 mellowed, and to be in go^d con iition. It is a mistaken 

 notion, though entertained by many, that slight culture 

 will answer for this crop, or that this grain' can be cul- 

 tivated, to any advantage, in poor lands, without man- 

 ure. Gypsum is a suitable manure for oats. 



The crop should be harvested rather green, as this 

 makes the str;iw much better for fodder, without any 

 injury to the grain. Besides, as oats are extremely lia- 

 ble to shed on being cut down, cutting the crop a iesv 

 days before it is perfec'iv n;*'^, wil be a consi ■crable 

 saving in grain. The straw in so vdiuable a fodder, it is 



