430 THE WOAD AND WELD CROPS. 



The plant may be grown in almost every description ot 

 soil; its natural selection is those of a light calcareous 

 description. In cultivation, however, a better class of 

 soils always is found to give better returns, and conse- 

 quently more profit to the grower. There appear to be 

 two varieties, the one being suited for sowing in the 

 autumn, the other in the spring. The former is more 

 esteemed on the Continent than the latter variety, as it 

 requires less weeding. Sometimes it is sown down with 

 a straw crop like clovers, and the crop gathered the fol- 

 lowing summer. The better practice, however, is to grow 

 it separately, and to get the seed in during the early part 

 of the autumn, the land being suitably prepared for it 

 by some crop potatoes, for instance which is harvested 

 early, and whose cultivation has insured good tillage, 

 both as regards the tilth and cleanliness of the land. 

 About 10 Ibs. of seed are quite sufficient for an acre; 

 and although the common practice is to sow it broadcast, 

 the drill should always be used, as otherwise the crop 

 can never be kept free from weeds, which not only check 

 its growth, but also reduce its value when harvested. In 

 sowing, great attention should be paid to the condition 

 of the seed-bed ; the seed-furrow should be as shallow as 

 possible, and the seed merely brushed in with the bush- 

 harrow, or covered by passing a light roller over the line 

 of drills. In July the flowering process commences, and 

 the crop is then ready for harvesting. This is generally 

 performed without waiting for the ripening of the seed- 

 produce. In some places on the Continent, however, they 

 wait until the seeds are formed, which they separate by 

 thrashing, and crush for the oil they contain. 1 The crop 

 is pulled up by the roots, and left lying for a few days on 

 the ground: it is then tied up in small-sized sheaves, 



1 The seeds yield from 25 to 35 per cent, of oil, suitable for burning. 



