192 Feeds and Feeding. 



meiits in the production of forage this combination has proven 

 itself well worthy of a place on every farm where stock is kept. 

 It is valuable either for pasture, for cutting as a soiling crop, or 

 when allowed to mature it may be cured for hay, making a most 

 valuable article. When planted in succession of about two weeks, 

 the first planting being as early in the spring as conditions will 

 permit, a succession of highly nutritious forage is produced which 

 is greatly relished by stock. If a more general use was made of 

 oats and peas for summer feeding it would greatly decrease the 

 expense of the production of milk and the cost of maintaining 

 cattle and economize land very materially. A highly nutritious 

 forage would be obtained, rich in protein and furnishing nearly a 

 balanced ration for milch cows. A large amount can be produced 

 per acre and it may be grown from early spring to late fall. A 

 slight freeze does not affect it, and it may be sown in the Sjjring 

 before frosts are over, and the late forage frequently remains in 

 good condition until December. The oats and peas at this Station 

 sown August 1, 1896, were in good condition for feeding until a 

 severe freeze on the night of December 2 cut them down. For 

 late forage, however, barley and peas are recommended instead 

 of oats and peas. For sowing any time after July 1st, substitute 

 barley for oats. The reason for this is that in late summer barley 

 makes more rapid growth, is less likely to attacks of rust and 

 other fungous diseases than are oats." 



279. The small grains as hay crops. — Wheat, oats and bailey, 

 used as grasses, are capable of producing excellent hay if har- 

 vested at the proper time. Barley constitutes the common hay 

 crop of the Pacific Slope outside the alfalfa region, and there is no 

 reason why this plant, as well as oats and wheat, should not be 

 employed as a hay producer in other portions of the country. If 

 the meadows faU to yield the usual supply of hay, the loss can be 

 made good by having recourse to small grain grown as a substi- 

 tute. When used for hay production, grasses from the cereal 

 grains should be cut when the seed is in the early mUk stage, at 

 which time the stems and leaves may be easily cured into bright, 

 dust-free hay of a quality well suited for feeding horses or dairy 

 cows. 



