CHAPTER XI 



VETCHES AND "SEEDS" SAINFOIN 



The time of sowing this crop will vary according to 

 the details of the previous cropping. On the part under 

 mangolds we can sow^ the crop immediately the mangolds 

 are carted, or at any time during winter or early spring 

 when the land is fit to handle. 



Little is needed in the way of cultivation. It is only 

 necessary to plough the mangold leaves under, broad- 

 cast the seed, and cover in with the harrow. When a 

 corn drill is procurable this will, of course, be used 

 instead of broadcasting. 



The portion of the root break under potatoes will 

 be sown in spring, at least w^here kale or broccoli has 

 been sown as a third inter-crop. By spring-time is 

 meant anj^ time in spring after the land has been 

 cleared and is fit to handle. 



In all farm practice it is a mistake to be tied to 

 particular dates ; a mellow condition of the soil at 

 sowdng time should be the determining factor. 



If kale or broccoli has not been sown as an inter-crop 

 then the vetches should be sown in autumn imme- 

 diately the potatoes are dug. 



Ploughing after potatoes is not necessary for the 

 sowing of mixed vetches ; the land can be cultivated 

 sufficiently with the ordinary cultivator and the seed 

 covered in with the spring-tooth harrow or drilled in. 



The question arises as to whether it is not better to 

 plough after potatoes for a vetch and corn crop w^hen 



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