122 OTHER FORAGE PLANTS— GORSE. 



may consist of leaves without flower-stems. The pro- 

 portion of nutritive matter in cured Anthyllis is larger 

 than in clover hay of average quality. 



GoFse, Whin or Furze. 



(Ulesi BuropcBUs.) 



Standard of germination, 70 per cent. 



Moeton's Cyclopcedia says it is a nuisance or weed 

 in our hilly pastures when allowed to attain the size 

 of a bush; but considered most valuable forage, and 

 extensively collected or cultivated as such, in Brittany 

 and other provinces of the West of France, and well 

 worthy of attention in our own western counties. 



From dry sandy soils, where Turnip husbandry is 

 unadvisable, a large quantity of useful fodder may be 

 procured by the cultivation of this plant ; but, except- 

 ing where climate, or the steepness of the land, or the 

 expense of any attempt to improve the soil, forbid the 

 adoption of the alternate husbandry, its cultivation 

 does not offer any advantages sufficient to warrant its 

 adoption. In North Wales and in many parts of 

 Ireland the horses of the farm are maintained upon it 

 almost wholly during the winter months, receiving 

 about 40 lbs. daily each of the crushed two-year- 

 old shoots. It has also been found useful for dairy 

 cows, along with hay, during the winter and spring 

 months; and as for sheep, the experience of many a 

 northern flockmaster can testify to the merits of Gorse 

 as food. 



It may be sown from February to May, in drills 



