498 



CULTIVATED AND WILD OATS 



in plumpness ; the straw is stiff and reedy, and inferior in feeding 

 value to that of the previous race. 



Their productiveness, however, is superior to that of the 

 common oats, and especially is this the case upon soils in 

 warm climates unsuited to the growth of the latter race. 



In the south of England, where as much straw and grain as 

 possible is the object without much regard to quality, these 

 varieties are very extensively cultivated. 

 Tartarian oats are adapted for cul- 

 tivation on marshy and peaty soils, 

 heavily dunged hojj-gardens, and, in 

 fact, on all soils in which a considerable 

 amount of humus is present. 



The following are two common 

 varieties : — 



(i.) WMte Tartarian Oat. — A late 

 variety, with very tall stiff straw, and 

 grain the husk of which is dull white 

 with a long awn. It requires a good 

 soil for satisfactory growth. 



(ii.) Black Tartarian Oat. — One of 

 the most extensively cultivated black 

 oats, earlier and more liable to shed 

 its grain than the white Tartarian oat. 

 The straw is of medium length, the 

 grain black with paler tips, and plumper 

 than the white variety; the awns on 

 the flowering glumes are not so stout 



Tig. is8.— Panicle of Tartarian aS On the latter kind. 

 Oat (Avgna ffrienf a/is Schrch.). t» ..!_ i • j r nn , 



Both kmds of Tartarian oats are 

 grown for horses, sheep, and stock generally, but the black 

 variety sometimes yields good meal. 



Climate and Soil. — Oats require a cool, moist climate ; the 

 north and west of the British Isles therefore grow better samples 



