270 FORAGE CROPS 



too large seeding of oats prevents a large growth 

 of the vetch. The plant is trailing in habit. If 

 conditions are favorable, it will make a very much 

 thicker growth than the Canada field pea, and pro- 

 vide excellent forage, being very palatable and 

 highly digestible when in the best stage for feed- 

 ing. It requires a longer period for maturing, and 

 this extends the time during which the forage 

 may be used, — a very important advantage, par- 

 ticularly in dry seasons. 



The composition of the oat- and- vetch forage 

 does not differ greatly from that of the oats-and- 

 peas. The crop may also be made into hay of an 

 excellent quality, and it is readily cured. 



Hairy or winter vetch 



The sand, winter or hairy vetch ( Vicia villosa) 

 is another species that thrives on poor soils, and 

 is useful as an early spring forage, withstanding 

 the winter and growing in spring. Owing to its 

 trailing habit, it should not be seeded alone 

 (except as a green- manure or cover-crop), but 

 with rye or wheat, preferably wheat for the cen- 

 tral states, in August or September. It is desir- 

 able to have the soil well prepared in order to 

 encourage an early and rapid fall growth, as well 

 as to ensure a large crop in spring. It should be 

 seeded at the rate of about one- half to one bushel 



