Cheyenne transporter. [volume] (Darlington, Indian Terr.) 1879-1886, 1885-11-30
Sow n Field of Rye.

crops that can be grown, not only for
the value of its grain and straw but on
account of the variety of purposes to
which it can be applied. The grain is
readily salable, and is also led to
horses on some farms, while its straw
is considered superior to all other
kinds, owing to its length and superior
quality, as bedding. 1t can be con-
veniently handled, and is clean and
free from dust as compared with
shorter kinds. Every farmer should
sow a field of rye for early pasture.
1t can be put in the ground in the fall,
as it is very hardy and stands the win
ter in all sections of the country,
springing up early in the spring, long
before other grasses have begun to
start. Farmers who have had difficult
ty in keeping their stock in healthy
condition when fed through a long
winter on dry food 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
moro to improper management than to
any injurious substance contained in
the crop. When stock have been de-
prived of roots or ensilage, and con-
fined to a dry diet, they are liable to
eat too much green rye when turned
upon 1t too early. By allowing the
stock but a short period upon the rye
field in the beginning, and gradually
extending the time daily, but little in
jury will be done, but if the stock re-
ceives no care, and the rye field is
given up to the ANIMALS, the result will
be diarrhea and debility. This may
be followed by abortion among the
COWS due to physical weakness, but
which is attributed to ergOt. The re-
suit is the same when stock suddenly
secures a surfeit of early grass. AS
ergot seldom exists in young-growing
rye, the stock may be pastured upon
the field until the period arrives for
allowing the crop to attain maturity.
damage is done bv 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 re-
served for spring. In addition to its
advantages as cattle food it is an ex-
cellent crop for sheep, which may be
hurdled upon it with economy if the
hurdles are moved daily, as sheep
Craze very closely. To the poultry
man rye is boon, no other crop sup
plying its place, and ii will do much to
prevent hog cholera when the swine
are confined upon corn, provided an
allowance be moved and fed In con-
nection with the corn. The swine will
be more thrifty and fatten more read
ilv with its assistance than when corn
alone is used.
If good Judgment be exercised IN
selecting seed free from disease or ad-
mixture 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 il
intended for pasturagc, SOW as thick
ly as the land will bear. The soil
should be first gotten into fine con
dition, and the seed should ber covered
with a harrow.
Rye is the clover of poor sandy soils.
1t thrives and llourishes where other
grain crops would perish, but does
best on good land or such as has been
fertilized If sown in the fall and
pIowed under in the spring, and a
Slight application of lime given the
soil, il viii furnish material for the
formation of humus, and will largely
increase theyield of a corn crop, which
may follow it; but if the soil is poor il
is best to plow under the rye and fol
low it with buckwheat or millet
which may in turn be plowed under
before using lime. Rye may then be