a species of Gadus. See Ichthyology Index.

COLE-Seed, the feed of the napus sativa, or long-rooted, narrow-leaved rape, called in English navet, and reckoned by Linnaeus among the brassicas, or cabbage kind. See Brassica.

This plant is cultivated to great advantage in many parts of England, on account of the rape oil expressed from its seeds. The practice of sowing it was first introduced by the Germans and Dutchmen who drained the fens of Lincolnshire; and hence the notion hath generally prevailed, that it will thrive only in a marshy soil; but this is now found to be a mistake. In preparing the land which is to receive it, care must be taken to plough it in May, and again about midsummer, making the ground as fine and even as possible. It is to be sown the very day of the last ploughing, about a gallon on an acre. In the months of January, February, and March, it affords very good food for cattle, and will sprout again when cut; after which it is excellent nourishment for sheep. After all, if it is not too closely fed, it will bear seed against next July. The same caution, however, is requisite with this food as with clover, till cattle are accustomed to it, otherwise it is apt to swell them. When this plant is cultivated solely with a view to the seed, it must be sown on deep strong land without dung, and must be suffered to stand till one-half of the seeds at least are turned brown; which, according to the seasons, will be sometimes sooner, sometimes later. In this state it is to be cut in the same manner and with the same care as wheat; and every handful as it is cut is to be regularly ranged on sheets, that it may dry leisurely in the sun, which will commonly be in a fortnight; after which it is to be carefully threshed out, and carried to the mill for expressing the oil. The produce of cole-feed is generally from five to eight quarters on an acre; and is commonly sold at 20s. per quarter.