106 



OUE FARM CROPS. 



malting barleys though, owing to its dark colour, which 

 is due solely to the skin, it is rarely used for such pur- 

 poses. If sown in spring, it ought never to be got in 

 later than the end of March, as it is apt to assume a 

 biennial habit if sown late, and not pro- 

 duce its seed until the following year. In 

 harvesting, great care is required, as the 

 straw becomes very brittle below the ear, 

 and much is often broken off and left on 

 the ground. 



Victoria Bere is probably the finest 

 and most valuable of all the varieties, 

 and is said to be equally adapted to the 

 soils of our exposed districts in the 

 Lowlands as well as the Highlands, The 

 straw and ear are longer and stouter 

 than the common bere; the grain is 

 much heavier, weighing up to 54 to 

 56 Ibs. per bushel; and the produce is 

 much larger, from 10 to 12 quarters hav- 

 ing been obtained to the acre. 



Winter White a coarse, productive va- 

 riety, suitable for winter-sowing in late, 

 exposed districts, as it then comes to 

 maturity a fortnight earlier than any 

 sown in the spring. On the Continent 

 this is a great favourite, and is used 

 largely for distilling and brewing pur- 

 poses. 



Peruvian is a naked variety of this species, which 

 has been spoken of very favourably by those who have 

 grown it. It is very productive ; and the grain, which 

 has the same shape and characters as the two-rowed, weighs 

 well, and is suitable for either malting or grinding. 



In general, these naked barleys are not so well suited 



Victoria Bere. 



