THE ROOT CROPS AND RELATED PRODUCTS 335 



a grass pasture in connection with the rape. This prac- 

 tice, in a large measure, prevents bloating and also provides 

 a variety of forage. Animals usually do not relish rape 

 at first, and it requires some time for them to acquire a 

 taste for it. To prevent overeating, or bloating, after 

 the animals acquire a taste for it, it is best to allow them 

 to have access to the rape pasture only during short 

 periods at first, gradually extending the time as they 

 become accustomed to it, until they are on full time. 

 The largest yields are obtained and much waste is pre- 

 vented if the animals are not given the run of the entire 

 field, but confined to a limited area by means of movable 

 fences or hurdles. The area may be extended as necessary 

 by moving the fences. 



352. Cultural methods. — Rape may be seeded alone 

 or in combination with ether crops. When seeded alone, 

 the soil should be well worked down into a fine seed bed. 

 The time of seeding will depend upon the time that the 

 pasture is desired. Rape is a rapid grower and is usually 

 ready to pasture in from 8 to 12 weeks from the time of 

 seeding. For early pasture, the seeding may be done as 

 soon as the danger of frost is over. If pasture is desired 

 throughout the season, it may be supplied by successive 

 seedings a few weeks apart. When seeded alone, rape 

 may be either broadcast or drilled in rows. When broad- 

 cast, 4 or 5 pounds of seed per acre are required, and when 

 drilled in rows 28 to 30 inches apart, 2 or 3 pounds per acre 

 are required. Usually it is best to seed in rows. This 

 method permits of cultivation during early growth, and 

 also less waste occurs during pasturing, since the animals 

 will follow the rows and are not likely to tramp down as 

 many plants as when feeding on broadcast fields. As 

 much, if not a little more, forage can be produced in rows 



