THE SMALL GRAINS 
221 
alfalfa, or grass seed may be mixed with the oats seed 
broadcasted. Under favorable conditions, the grass 
stand will be suitable for winter pasturing or hay during 
the next year. Some farmers have found that a mixture 
of oats and barley will yield almost as much as each 
would if planted separately. 
Fig. 162a.—'Treating seed oats. The necessary equipment is shown. 
Preparation and Planting.—Oat land will usually 
yield more in the South if plowed during the fall and 
winter. After the middle of January, it is better to 
double disk the land, harrow, and broadcast or drill 
from February twenty-fifth to March the twenty-fifth. 
Winter plowed land should be left rough to avoid blow¬ 
ing or washing. Oats should not be covered too deeply. 
Fall sown oats need an opportunity for a good growth 
