65-0 



field at the last plowing. After the grain is cut the rape 

 makes a rapid growth and furnishes an abundance of succu- 

 lent feed until severe frosts. After an unsuccessful attempt 

 in 1907 to secure an average stand of rape by sowing with 

 grain, a field containing about six acres was sowed the fol- 

 lowing years without a nurse crop at the rate of four to six 

 pounds to the acre. The variety used was the Dwarf Essex. 

 Rape needs a well prepared seed-bed and a soil rich in humus 

 or decayed vegetable matter. The soil should be well drained. 

 Good results have been obtained by sowing rape in lots on 

 college farm that had been rooted up by hogs. In a feeding 

 experiment with hogs at this Station, rape pasture was 

 found to be worth $7.04 per acre (Bull. No. 90), this being 

 the value of the gain of lot that received rape over lot that 

 did not receive rape pasture. Farmers' Bulletin No. 49, 

 United States Department of Agriculture, reports the follow- 

 ing on rape: 



"This crop is one that has many advantages for summer 

 feeding breeding ewes. It grows rapidly, producing a large 

 quantity of succulent food, and is greatly relished by sheep. 

 About two months is required for the growth of a crop. It 

 remains fresh in the field for over a month under usual con- 

 ditions after the first cutting has been made. At the Wis- 

 consin Station 62 ewes, 26 ewe lambs, and 5 rams were fed 

 from 300 to 350 pounds of rape daily throughout the drought 

 of August and September. From August i6th until Septem- 

 ber 1 7th 9.75 tons by actual weight were cut from 0.5 acre, or 

 at the rate of 19.5 tons per acre. 



"In cutting rape at different heights, the best results were 

 obtained from cutting about four inches from the ground. 

 Two cuttings were made from the piece so treated, one Au- 

 gust 29th and the other November 6th, and the yield was 

 at the rate of 36 tons per acre. 



"There are exceptional possibilities in well-grown rape for 

 fattening lambs, if it is fed with proper judgment and care. 

 It may be fed to best advantage in the early fall, and hence 



