366 [Assembly 



I would recommend that the ordinary crops of the farm, even 

 such as clover or grass, should not be depended upon for soiling. 

 The ground should be especially assigned for the purpose. It should 

 be as near the animals as possible, to save labor, and put in the best 

 condition for producing a succession of luxuriant crops. A dry or 

 wet season will then never disappoint the farmer, for if the land is 

 plowed thoroughly and deep, and highly manured, it Vvill be so loose 

 as to permit the roots to strike deep and obtain sufficient moisture, 

 raised by capillary attraction from below, in case of a drought; or 

 so porous as to permit the ready percolation of water in a wet sea- 

 son. All the crops for soiling should come in, in regular order, 

 and not too much ground should be sown or planted at a time; so 

 that the crops may be fed before they are too old and strong. It is 

 often said that these crops are too watery, and that they scour the 

 animals! They do so oftentimes, because the feed is changed sud- 

 denly; but after a time they become accustomed to it. Feeding a 

 little dry meal, and giving the animals the privilege of licking clay, 

 will soon check the disorder. Lime water is also very good for that 

 purpose. 



I believe that the following plan for raising crops for soiling, 

 would be found to answer the desired object. Let a proportion of land 

 be prepared by deep thorough tillage, and abundance of manure, and 

 sown with rye. Thrice the quantity of seed should be used; and it 

 should be sown about a fortnight earlier than usual. This rule af- 

 fords the first cutting in the spring. A piece of clover should next 

 be prepared by top-dressing and plaster, this would come after the 

 rye. It could be cut until corn was ready, or as soon as the frost is 

 out of the ground in the spring. Oats and field peas should be 

 sown on rich well prepared ground. This crop will come in after 

 clover, and I think, would be a good substitute for English tares. 

 It was the most abundant crop I have ever raised on my farm. When 

 the weather is sufficiently warm, corn should be sown broadcast. 

 This will give an abundant supply of feed until late in the fall. I 

 prefer sowing corn broadcast to drills. It is much less trouble, and 

 the stalk is made more tender. I prefer too, to cut the corn when 

 it is in full leaf, and. not wait any longer. I have conversed with 

 our largest dairy-men, who have partially soiled with corn for sever- 

 al years; they all unite in the opinion, that it is the best feed to 

 give an abundant yield of milk which they use. 



