Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-01-16
RYE As A EARN CROP.

During several years rye has not been
a favorable crop in this country. Our
native population prefer strictly white
bread which cannot be made from rye.
Indian corn mas taken its place as a
food for fattening animals. 1t has also
been generally used for feeding to hogs.
In colonial days as well as for some
time after the Revolution rye was COM
monty employed for making alcohol
and whisky. As the West became set
tied corn took the place of rye for max
ing these articles. In the New En-
gland States, where Boston brown
bread is extensively used on tables,
rye meal was formerly employed for
mixing with corn meal During the
past few years, however, wheat mid
ding have commonly taken its place.
In quality they are greatly inferior to
rye meal. but their cheapness causes
them to be used. The Germans and
Scandinavians who come to this coun-
try continue to eat rye bread in prefer
ence TO that made from wheat flour.
This practice is obviously the result of
early experience, and may not continue
beyond the present generation. At
present, however, the preference of the
people from Central and Northern Eu-
rope for rye bread is strong. A few
years ago they continued to buy rye
flour although it was considerable
higher than the best wheat flour That
rye bread is in some respects superior
to that made from wheat flour is obvi,
Gus. 1t has an agreeable sweet flavor
that wheat bread does not have, and
also retains moisture longer after it
comes from the oven. Still, the pros
pect that rye will ever take the place it
holds as a material for making bread
in Central and Northern Europe is very
poor. Neither is it likely that rye will
be extensively used as food for the in
ferior animals or in the manufacture of
alcoholic drinks.
While it is improbable that rye will
ever be popular crop with '.bonanza
farmers" there are good reasons for
believing that its production will prove
profitable to many who cultivate land
on a somewhat small scale. Consider
able rye can be used by the general
farmer to excellent advantage. Some
rye is desirable for food for. human be-
ings, if for no other purpose than to
afford variety. 1t is an excellent food
for fowls of all kinds. Rye is very
beneficial to horses when fed in limited
quantities. 1t furnishes excellent food
for young animals of all kinds. Hogs
will thrive on rye in all stages of their
growth. All who have had experience
in carp culture recommend rye in pref
erence to all other grains for feeding
these fish. Rye can be raised in loca-
tions and on soils where fair crops Of
wheat can only be produced by the ex-
penditure of much labor and the appli-
cation of liberal amounts of valuable
fertilizers. 1t is the best crop for lands
that are very sandy and deficient in the
element of fertility. 1t Is not an ex-
haustive crop, like wheat or flax. The
plants are more hardy than those OF
wheat, and the grain is not as subject
to injury as barley. But a small
amount of seed is required. 1t yields
more than wheat, and is produced at a
smaller cost. 1t is less likely to be in
jured by insects. Growing rye furnish
es excellent winter and spring pastur-
age. 1t is also an excellent material
for soiling. 1t is ready to be cut sever
al weeks before clover and early grasses
are. Next to clover it is the best crop
to plow under for the purpose of en-
riching the soil. Rye produces more
straw than wheat or barley, and it is
much more valuable. Besides being
useful for feeds, it is valuable for max
ing thatch. packing goods, tying up
grapevines, and filling beds. In the
matter of general utility there are few
crops that will compare with rye.