Soil 



While rape can be grown on a variety of soils, the best results are 

 obtained from a light rich loam. The seed-bed should be deep, thor- 

 oughly pulverized and rich in organic matters. 



Time to Sow 



Rape can be sown as soon as the danger of freezing is past or after 

 grain has been harvested in July. If sown in the spring it makes an 

 early pasture and if care is taken will last until the middle of August 

 or the first of September. If sown in July it will usually make a splen- 

 did fall pasture provided there is sufficient rain. It can be sown broad- 

 cast or drilled. If the land is very weedy, it is advisable to drill in 

 rows far enough apart to permit of cultivation. From 4| to 5 pounds 

 of seed will sow an acre broadcast and from 2 to 3 pounds when 

 drilled. The value of rape is increased by sowing two pecks of oats per 

 acre with it. 



Uses 



Rape makes a splendid cheap pasture for both hogs and sheep. The 

 animals should not be turned in until it has attained a growth of from 

 twelve to eighteen inches. If not pastured too closely, it will continue 

 to grow until late in the summer. A good plan is to have two rape lots, 

 changing from one to the other every two weeks. Rape is palatable, 

 succulent and rich in nutrients. The ratio of protein to carbo- 

 hydrates being about one to five. When used for soiling it should be 

 fed before it wilts. It is not advisable to feed it to dairy cows on 

 account of the peculiar flavor it has which is apt to affect the milk. 

 If, however, it is fed just after milking, there is no perceptible odor or 

 taste of the plant in the milk. 



Pigs make a remarkable growth on a rape pasture if supplemented 

 with a small amount of corn. Lambs should have a grass pasture in 

 connection with the rape. 



The seed is valuable as a food and oil. The oil is used for lubricating 

 and lighting purposes and a meal made from the seed is used as a stock 

 food. A good growth of rape will supply a pasture for from fifteen to 

 twenty hogs per acre for a period of fourteen or fifteen weeks. It is 

 estimated that an acre of good rape has a pasturing value of about 

 $50.00. 



SILO 



A SILO is a receptacle for the preservation of green fodder. It may 

 be constructed of stone, cement, brick or wood. Silos are usually 

 circular in form, deep, with perpendicular walls with a smooth inside 



