Tare





The tare is a plant of a hardy growth, and when sown upon rich land will
return a large supply of green fodder for the consumption of horses or for
fattening cattle. When intended for this use, the seed ought to be sown
tolerably thick, perhaps to the extent of four bushels per acre, though when
intended to stand for seed a less quantity is required, because otherwise
the thickness of the crop will prevent the plants from blossoming and
podding in a sufficient way. When meant for seed early sowing ought to be
studied, otherwise the return will be imperfect; but when for green food any
time betwixt the first of April and the latter end of May will answer well,
provided crops in succession from the first to the last mentioned period be
regularly cultivated. Instances are not wanting of a full crop being
obtained even when the seed was sown so late as the middle of June, though
sowing so late is a practice not to be recommended. After the seed is sown
and the land carefully harrowed, a light roller ought to be drawn across, so
that the surface may be smoothed, and the scythe permitted to work without
interruption. It is proper also to guard the field for several days against
the depredations of pigeons, who are remarkably fond of tares, and will pick
up a great part of the seed unless constantly watched.

Horses thrive very well upon tares, even better than they do upon clover and
rye-grass; and the same remark is applicable to fattening cattle, who feed
faster upon this article of green fodder than upon any kind of grass or
esculent with which we are acquainted. Danger often arises from their eating
too many, especially when podded; as colics and other stomach disorders are
apt to be produced by the excessive loads which they devour.