CULTIVATION OF OATS. 



331 



The expense of cultivating rye, and the average product, 

 may be stated per annum as follows. 



Ploughing, 

 One bushel seed, 

 Sowing and harrowing, 

 Reaping, 

 Threshing, 



2,00 

 1,25 

 1,00 

 2,00 

 2,00 



$8,25 

 Rye is subject to a disease called ergot 



Produce on an average, 

 15 bushels, at $ 1,25 

 Straw, 



Deduct expenses, 



Net firain, <l! 



lft,75 

 5,00 



23;75 



8,25 



$T5;50 



It is a kind of 

 black spur in the head. It has been supposed to be a spe- 

 cies of fungus. 



Oats {avena sativa) are cultivated as an article of food, 

 both for man and beast. They will grow on any soil, and 

 are generally cultivated after corn or potatoes without ma- 

 nure, although some prefer to sow on green sward. Three 

 bushels are required to the acre. The land should be plough- 

 ed once and thoroughly harrowed. Oats are a very sure 

 crop, and may be estimated at 40 bushels to the acre upon 

 an average. In consequence of their demand at livery sta- 

 bles, they usually bring a price above their intrinsic value. 



The expenses of cultivation, and the returns, are generally 

 as follows. 



Seed, 3 bush, at 50 cts.. 

 Cradling and harvesting, 

 Threshing, 



2,00 

 1,50 

 2,00 

 3,00 



$8,50 



Produce on an average, 



40 bush, at 50 cts., 

 Straw, 



$ 

 Deduct expenses, 



Net gain. 



20,00 

 10,00 



'3o;oo 



8,50 

 21,50 



It will be seen, that this is a very profitable crop, especial- 

 ly as oats bring ready money, in almost any market. But 

 if proper pains are taken, and the land properly prepared, 

 crops of 60 bushels may be obtained. Governor Da- 

 vis of Worcester, Mass. has raised 100 bushels to the acre. 

 It should be remarked here, that there are two principal va- 

 rieties ; the common oat, with a spreading top, and the Tar- 

 tarian, or horse-mane oat, so called, because the seed hangs 

 in clusters on one side. As the two varieties ripen at differ- 



