PETER HENDERSON & CO., NEW YORK.— FORAGE PLANTS. 



65 



SAND, OR WINTER VETCH. 



TRUE 

 DWARF ESSEX 



RAPE 



In the United States we have millions of acres of good land that annually 

 lie idle or run to weeds the latter part of the season, after the grain, potato- 

 and hay crops have been harvested, a large portion of which might be made to 

 . produce one of the finest feeds imaginable, and in the greatest abundance, at 

 a time when cattle and sheep are roaming through bare pastures in search of 

 a scanty living. Under favorable conditions it is ready for pasturing sheep or 

 cattle within six weeks from time of sowing, and on an average one acre will 

 carry twelve to fifteen sheep six weeks to two months. When on the rape they 

 should at all times have access to salt; but water is not necessary. There are 

 several varieties of Rape, but care should be taken to procure the 

 Dwarf Essex, which does not seed the same season as sown. In the 

 Northern States it should be sown from May to August for fall pasturing, 

 but as it thrives best in cool weather, it should not be sown in the 

 Southern States until September or October for winter pasture. In the 

 latitude of New York, July or August is the best time to sow. Its fat- 

 tening properties are probably twice as good as those of clover, and for sheep- 

 the feedmg value of Rape excels all other plants we know of. At the Michigan 

 Experiment Station, 128 lambs were pastured for eight weeks on 1 5 acres of Rape 

 sown in July and showed a gain of 2,8go lbs., or at the rate or 3 lbs. per lamb- 

 each week. To secure the best results the Rape should be sown in drills and 

 the plan has been successfully tried of sowing Scarlet Clover broadcast at the 

 same time, (see page 62) pasturing the Rape in the fall and plowing under the 

 Clover the following spring. Sow 6 lbs. per acre broadcast, 2 to 3 lbs. per acre 

 in drills. 12c. lb., $9.00 100 lbs. 



SAND, OR WINTER VETCH. (YiciaYillosa.) 



Though it succeeds and produces good crops on poor, sandy soils, it is 

 much more vigorous on good land and grows to a height of 4 to 5 feet. It is 

 perfectly hardy throughout the United States, remaining green all winter, and 

 should be sown during August and .September, mixed with Rye, which serves 

 as a support for the plants. 



It is tlie earliest crop for cutting* or plo'wins: 

 under in Spring, being nearly a montti earlier 

 tlian Scarlet Clover and mucli Iiardier. 



It is exceedingly nutritious and mav I e fed with safety to all kinds of stock. 



It is of such early and rapid gowth, that a full crcp can be taken off in time 

 for planting spring crops. 



' Sovv"' one-half bushel to a bushel per acre with one-half bushel of Rye or 

 Wheat. 15 cts. lb. $6.00 bushel of 60 lbs., $9.50 100 lbs. 



