CHAPTER XIV 



WINTER PASTURES 



The writer has tried many types of winter pasture, 

 but does not feel at present able to make anything 

 approaching a definite statement as to which is best. 

 As with many other features of continuous cropping, 

 there is a lot still to be learnt on this point. Again, 

 circumstances alter cases — the winter pasturage suit- 

 able to one set of conditions does not best suit 

 others. 



For sheep feeding, Giant Essex rye with a little 

 scarlet or crimson clover answers very well. This may 

 be sown in April, May, or June, the seeding being 

 about 12 St. of rye and 2 to 3 st. of vetch, or 10 lb. of 

 scarlet clover per statute acre. 



The vetch and rye mixture is sown like an ordinary 

 corn crop, but when crimson clover is sown, the rye is 

 put in first, and, under the last stroke of a light harrow, 

 the crimson clover is broadcasted. In either case the 

 land is well rolled after, the roller being followed with 

 the grass-harrow, to roughen the surface, prevent 

 *' baking," and to conserve moisture. 



Sown at the time mentioned in a moist district, the 

 crop will be ready for its first grazing with sheep or 

 young cattle, or even pigs, about six or eight weeks 

 later. 



On the lowland and in southern districts, 3 or 4 st. 

 of winter barley can be used in place of an equal 

 quantity of rye. 



127 



