CHAPTER XV. 



SOILING CROPS FOB SHEEP. 



In selecting crops for sheep, the most prominent 

 are tares (vetches), .rape, turnips, lucern and clover 

 (early cut), oats and peas. Of these, rape and 

 vetches are decidedly the best. 



Vetches (Tares). 



Spring and winter tares are largely sown in Eng- 

 land for soiling sheep, cattle, and horses. All stock 

 are exceedingly fond of them. My experience in 

 feeding them is very satisfactory. I have never 

 undertaken to cultivate the winter variety. Spring 

 tares are usually sown in March or April. They 

 are very much like the common field pea, except 

 that the stalks and leaves are finer, a vigorously 

 growing plant, highly relished by sheep and lambs. 

 The blossom and pod are similar to those of the pea. 

 A small quantity of oats, barley, or rye should be 

 sown with them as a support, otherwise they are apt 

 to lodge, which materially lessens their value. They 

 may be sown with a grain drill or broadcast. 



An English writer says : " Sheep may be fattened 

 upon them, the milk of cows is enriched and in- 



