184 AGRICUI.TURE; OF MAINE. 



tion of the clover plant in the land. Cut in full bloom as com- 

 pared with that cut at a later stage the differences of composi- 

 tion are as follows : 



1. The crop contains less woody fiber when in full bloom. 



2. The crop contains its maximum amount of protein when 

 in full bloom. 



3. The nutrients in the crop are more evenly distributed. 



4. The crop contains its maximum amount of essential oils 



* 



which impart palatability to the feed. 



5. The hay is of a brighter color, more succulent, and is 

 relished better by stock than hay cut at a later period. 



Plants when they have produced seed die, their cycle of life 

 having been completed. When cut in the bloom and before 

 any seeds are produced, the roots will produce another set of 

 stems and leaves, hence more than one crop is secured and the 

 life of the plant in the soil is lengthened out. 



Seventh. There is still another thing in clover production 

 which must not be overlooked and that is good tillage, proper 

 preparation of the land, and an occasional rotation of crops. 

 If bacteria are to take nitrogen from the air, we must devise 

 means of promoting soil ventilation. The plow and harrow are 

 the chief means at our disposal of aiding in this matter and 

 we should make good use of them. 



I have but briefly touched on these essential points in clover 

 production, and have made no eflfort to explain them minutely 

 for I have taken this subject up before in the presence of many 

 who are here. The observing of these simple directions prop- 

 erly applied to your own farm conditions will enable you to 

 grow abundantly the greatest all-round crop known to the 

 world today. 



As time goes on and as we become more familiar with the 

 forces of nature surrounding us, the coming dairyman, I believe, 

 will be known as the "Legume farmer," producing what he uses 

 and taking advantage of things which a knowledge of modern 

 agricultural science places at his disposal. By observing simple 

 directions for caring for the stable manure, by the exercise of 

 good business judgment in the purchase of concentrated feeding 

 stuffs, and by the production and trapping of nitrogen in the 

 clover plant, dairy farming will hold its place as the safest form 

 of husbandry, will build up these so called "worn out" farms 



