The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1841-12-03
Agricul t1s tai.
FEED IN TIE SPRING.

Many farmers in the vicinity of this city whose
pastures are poor, feel the want of II more succu-
lent food for mich cows IN the month of May than
can ordinarily be obtained. Two OF three years
ago, we heard the question stated, whether winter
rye might no, be poitably resortcd to for supply
ing this deficiency. Neither the inquirer nor we
could see any reason why this grain might not well
be employed for the purpose in question. We have
not forgotten the MATTER and it is in our present
plans to sow rye among Indian corn next July,
where we shall cultivate without hill, and in the
following spring feed on soil with the rye. That
the course promises success, is rendered probable
by the following paragraphs taken from prize
essay, by Matthew NJ. Milbun, CONTAINED in vol.
H. part 2, of,hc Journal Of the Royal agricultural
Society of Engand;
1t is the intention of the writer now 10 state his
experience, and offer his recommendation ola crop
embracing several advantages peculiar 10 itself |,
is that rye, eaten in the early stages OF its growth.
1t Is intended to intervene between the last crop of
the lour-course system, which is generally wheat,
and to be caten and the land powed and worked
for poi urnps 1t is equally applicable to all
kinds of rotations, and would well precede fall
low or crop of rape. AS it is generally upon
farms where the lour-course system is pursued,
tina, spring feed is most wanted, the writer will
conine his observations to that rotation.
So soon as the whea, is cut in the autumn, the
plow should be set to work. This may be done
even before it is carted, during the mornings of
harvest. A single blowing is given, and very
slight dressing of any kind of short manure. In
some cases where the farmer lays on his manure in
the autumn. for ,urnps the ensuing year, it might
be better to lay it on before blowing. 1t should
be remembered that the slight dressing should moi
all be considered as given TO the rye; in reality it
becomes incorporated with the soil, and more in
timaely mixed with it than by the ordinary mode
Of spreading it on in the autumn, and any part Of
i, which the rye may abstract, will be more than
compensated by the droppings of the stock, and
the carbonic acid gas which they evolve while con-
suning it; and which the soil more readily absorbs
in the spring than in any other part of the year.
evaporation going at that period to much small
er extent than III any other.
The seed must be sown upon the plow-scam
broadcast, at the rate of 2 ~ bushels per acre,
and il ofthat years growth 80 much the better, MS
it is earlier and more certain of termination. To
this peck Of rape seed per acre should be added
for although the latter is not able to stand winter
tho rrn.t M, in nd in
cases it will get sufficiently vigorous to resist any
ordinary FROST and will much improve the feed in
the spring. Should the rape not be sown, "A peck
olwinter .ares per will improve the feed, or
M additional peck Of rye may be added; as full
Ter bite and excited growth in its early stages will
be secured-a point gained when wanted to de-
pasture, although it ms ht be injurious is for
n crop.
In cuvating rye ms feed, there need be no fears
entertained of its becoming winter proud, for as
that only effects the Of the corn, il Is cir
culnsance of no Importance, and therefore the
earlier it is sown the better able it is to resist the
earlier frost, as well as having better cover and
more feed when wanted. When sown it should
be thoroughly narrowed, but not rolled-a douJle
with pair of fine larrows is sufficient, and the
surface weeds should be gathered of, or the whole
raked with the hand, which will more efficiently
cover the seed. An advantage is gained to the
soil by this blowing, which cannot he obtained
when the land is sown with the vetches The an
nuaI weeds on the old surface are prevented from
running to seed, and new surface is exposed to
the air and FROST
The rye will be fit for consuming the last week
in March or the first of April, or if allowed to re-
main until the middle of the latter month, it will
carry great quantity of stock. After it is tho
roughly eaten up, it should be fed and by The
first week in May will afford another pasture of
fine young nutritious feed; at least, in ordinary
seasons. II is bad management, though sometimes
practiced, TO allow the rye 10 remain uneaten until
the reed stalk begins to shoot. for in that case i,
will become much lea. plla'ablc and useful. BY