FODDER IN INDIA. 25 



Oats — Known as Jai, Jawi, sometimes Gandal. There are 

 at least 7 varieties at this date, perhaps more. One variety 

 is more suitable than another just according to condi- 

 tions, surroundings and congenial soil — a variety that 

 may flourish in Peshawar will possibly fail entirely in 

 Lucknow or Dinapore. The main consideration is 

 " good seed " and it will pay you to test your sample, 

 a very simple matter ; having bought your seed to 

 avoid any chance of oat-smut wash it in a 4 per cent, 

 solution of formalin before sowing ; this process applies 

 also to barley and wheat. Never try to sow oats 

 without plenty of moisture in the soil, firstly on 

 account of germination, secondly to attain a good or even 

 fair crop, and don't sow too much seed per acre in the 

 hope of getting a bumper crop 'cause you'll be disap- 

 pointed. Oats are shallow rooted and more liable to 

 the effects of dry weather than other cereals. A rich 

 moist soil is required and the land should be ploughed 

 in preparation several times during the summer and once 

 again in the autumn before sowing, followed immediately 

 by the pahata unless very wet ; if the soil is found 

 dry at a depth of 4' when you come to sow not more 

 than 60 lbs. of seed per acre should be used, and except 

 under exceptional conditions of moisture never more 

 than So lbs. per acre. Oats should be sown any time 

 after the first week in October. With the above condi- 

 tions and a good, indifferent, or bad season the out-turn will 

 be 150 — ^200 maunds per acre green, or 20 — 40 maunds of 

 oat-hay. If the crop is to be issued green cut in good 

 time before signs of ripening ; if for oat-hay cut as soon 

 as the milk is well into the ear and before it solidifies ; 

 cut clean and free from weeds and dirt or roots leave lying 

 on the ground in sheaves or pulas as cut for two or 

 three days, then set up in stooks or cocks for at least a 

 full '^ dry " week, before stacking : tie up the sheaves or 

 pulas round the middle before stocking ; any less drying 

 than the above even in a dry season will set up 



