faronrahlc for the Growth of Seed. 
71 
Rape or Cole. — Tlie general re(]uiroments of tlils crop are 
similar to those of tlie turnip, and need not be rc])eated ; but 1 
may add to former remarks that the peculiar characteristics of 
some of our soils which are favourable for growth of rape, but not 
(»f turnips, arise from their composition rather tlian Irom their 
mechanical condition. The preparation necessary in each case is 
the same ; but the time of sowing extends from April to Septem- 
ber, according to the succession of food which may be required. 
The rapidity of growth varies much with the climate, richness 
of the land, and method of cultivation ; but the sowings in April 
and May will generally be ready for feeding in August and 
sometimes in July, whilst the August and September sowings 
come in for spring use. As the principal demand for rape is in 
September and October, the corresponding seed-time is June and 
July ; still the influence of climate will often render the growth 
slower, and necessitate an earlier sowing. From 2 to 4 quarts of 
seed per acre will be necessary, according to the suitability of 
the soil and climate, care being always taken to increase the 
allowance of seed as circumstances become inifavourable. 
Sprinq-feed. — The crops which are usually sown for this pur- 
pose (with one exception, which I shall subsequently notice) all 
require a similar preparation to be given to the land for the recep- 
tion of the seed, however varied may be the soils for which they are 
in a special degree adapted, and however this character of the soil 
and the succession of food required may influence the choice of 
the crop. They are sown upon the corn-stubble, and the class of 
soils selected for their growth are generally dry and free in their 
nature. Their growth upon strong soils is exceptional, and never 
to be recommended except in dry climates. After the corn is 
cut the cleaning of the surface should immediately commence, 
and, as soon as this is done, the land should be deeply ploughed, 
(for we have to prepare for the succeeding root-crop as well as for 
the present one) ; after it has lain a few days the sowing of 
the earliest spring-feed may take place. Nothing further, besides 
rolling, will be required before the seed is sown, for these soils 
are not difficult of cultivation. Rye is one of the earliest crops 
Ibr spring-food, and usually forms the first sowing. It is gene- 
rally sown broadcast, at the rate of 4 bushels to the acre. The 
next sowing will be rye and vetches, or else winter-oats and 
vetches mixed. For these the same preparation will be necessary. 
The usual allowance is 1 bushel of rye or oats and 3 bushels of 
vetches per acre, either sown broadcast or hy the drill : thick 
sowing is always advisable for spring-crops. For these crops 
rather stronger land may be selected than for the rye, and they 
are also more likely to receive manure, as they require more 
nourishment from the land, and, if so, the roller will be necessary. 
