OTHER FORAGE PLANTS— GOAT'S RUE. 117 



markably well. It has been successfully used as a 

 forage plant in the South of France, where its only 

 drawback, viz., a certain peculiarity of flavour, has 

 been overcome by perseverance in the tuition of the 

 stock. 



From April till June is the time to sow, at the rate 

 of 24 lbs. to 30 lbs. per acre, broadcast. 



Another authority says it is an excellent forage 

 plant for warm sheltered situations, and succeeds in 

 such places on dry and even poor soil, provided it 

 has depth, and that the subsoil is free from moisture. 

 Its long root enables it to resist drought well, and as it 

 draws its support mostly from the subsoil, it can be 

 grown on the warmest soil. It possesses a similar tem- 

 perament to that of the Lucern, but does not rfequire 

 the same manurial dressings, and, on that account, is 

 found on the Continent a very useful and durable 

 plant in sheltered places amongst mountains, to which 

 manure could not be carried. It is most generally used 

 as a green forage, as it is difficult to dry and save. It 

 gives two cuttings even in the first year, if sown in the 

 spring. [A sowing made the 4th of May was in flower 

 the 2ist of July.] The second cutting is almost as 

 large as the first, and it makes its second growth 

 quicker than Sanfoin, but not so quickly as Lucern. It 

 should be cut when the leading branches are beginning 

 to flower, as, up to the flowering period, the plant re- 

 mains soft and succulent, but afterwards becomes hard, 

 and is not voluntarily eaten by cattle. 



It should be sown in spring without a crop, and with- 

 out mixture with any other seed. It is best to plant it 

 in lines, so that the ground around the plants can be 

 kept clear of weeds. 



