The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-08-25
The Value of Rye.
Philadelphia Record.

Philadelphia Record.
Rye is one of the most important crops th.s
can be grown not only for the value of its GRIN
and straw but on account Of the variety Of rus
poses to which it can be applied The grain IN
readily salahle, and is also fed to horses on soma
farms. while its straw is considered superior Il
all other kinds, owing to its length and superb.
quality, as bedding. 1t can be conveniently
handled, and is clean and free from dust as com.
pared with shorter kinds. Every farmer sb,nN
sow field of rye for early pasture. 1t cam h.
put in the ground in the fall, as il il
very hardy and stands the winter in ali
sections of the country, sprngng up eariy
in the spring, long before other grasses
have begun to start. Farmers who have had
difficulty in keeping their stock in healthy con.
dition, when fed through a long winter on dry
feed, know how eagerly the early rye is relished
Objections have been made to rye as containing
ergot which IS injurious. but all grains and
grasses are equally unfortunate in that respect
The difficulty is due more to improper manage
ment than to any injurious substance contained
in the crop. When stock have been deprived Of
roots or ensilage, and confined to dry diet
they are liable to eat too much green rye when
turned upon it too early. By allowing the stock
but short period upon the rye field in the be-
ginning and gradually extending the time daily
but little injury will be done, but if the stock
receives no care and the rye field is given up to
the animals, the result vii be diarrhea and de-
ebility. This may be followed by abortion
among the cows, due to physical weak
ness, but which is attributed to
ergot. The result is the same when stock sud
denly secures a surfeit Of early grass. AS ergot
seldom exists in young growing rye the stock
may be pastuIed upon the field until the period
arrives for allowing the crop to attain maturity.
If damage is done by ergot it is when stock is
kept upon the rye when in its advanced stage
Rye also makes excellent pasturage in the fall
though it is generally reserved for spring In
o1vynxo 80
an excellent crop for sheep, which may DO
hurdled upon it with economy If the hurdles arc
moved daily, as sheep Craze very closely. 10
the poultry man rye is a boon, no other crop
supplying its place, and it will do much to pre-.
vent hog cholera when the swine are confined
upon corn, provided an allowance be moved and
fed in connection with the corn. The swine will
be more thrifty and fatten more readily with its
assistance than when corn alone is used.
If good Judgment be exercised in selecting
seed free from disease or admiXture of weeds,
rye is healthful grass crop. 1t is best to BE-
suspicious Of all grains, as spores may exist
among them. They may be easily destroyed by
soaking the seed twenty four hours in a solution
of one pound of blue vitriol (sulphate of copper
to four gallons of water. Then mix the seed
with dry land plaster and if intended for pastur-
age, sow as thickly as the land will bear The
soil should be first got into fine condition,
and the seed should be covered with harrow.
Rye is the clover of poor sandy soils. Ii
thrives and flourishes where other grain crops
would perish, but does best on good land, or such
as has been fortified. If sown in the fall and
plowed under in the spring and slight appGca.
ton of lime given the soil, it will furnish material
for the formation of humus and will largely
increase the yield of a corn crop, which may
follow it; but if the soil is poor it is best to pow
under the rye and follow it with buckwheat 0.
millet, which may in turn be plowed under before
using lime. Rye may then be sowed again, asd
if plowed under in the spring the land will
greatly increased in fertility Grazing does
dot injure it as grain crop, bat rather benefits
it, thus rendering it serviceable both for psstaF
age and for grain.