54 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



pea, except that the stalks stand more erect, the plant will endure 

 colder weather, and nearly all of the varieties will mature in Mich- 

 igan. This plant lays claim to some considerable value as feed, it being 

 rich in protein. In Kansas it is used largely to balance the feed rations 

 Avhich are made up so largely of corn. The cow pea in the South is 

 made into hay, and baled as we bale our timothy and clover. As such, 

 it makes a quality of hay thoroughly acceptable to animals which are 

 accustomed to eating it. 



On the whole, legumes demand a place on every farm, in every or- 

 chard and every garden. As feeds they are rich in protein, the most 

 expensive food material the farmer has to provide. Their manurial 

 value is high, owing to their rich content of nitrogen, which is also an 

 expensive element in our commercial fertilizers. No rotation is com- 

 plete without a legume, and no farm is properly managed which does 

 not grow clover. 



DISCUSSION. 



Q. How much sand lucerne do you sow per acre? 



J. D. Towar: I should say about the same as clover, from ten to fifteen pounds 

 per acre. Remember that the crop is especially adapted to light sand. Sow in the 

 spring without nurse crop. Run the mower over the piece, two or three times the first 

 summer to cut down the weeds. The periods of cutting will thus have been approxi- 

 matel}' May 31, July 3, and a later cutting in August and September. It seems to be 

 hardy and withstands our winters better than clover. It is a perennial. 



Q. Is it adapted to clay soil ? 



J. D. Towar: We have not tried it on heavj^ soil. Sow the seed about as clover, 

 and as late as need be as the first or middle of May. I think it would withstand pas- 

 turing. Its root is well in the ground, although the crown is half an inch above the 

 surface. It has a strong tap root, and might be somewhat hard to plow up for that 

 reason. It is a true legume, and has abundant tubercles on the roots. 



Q. What is the value of cow peas as hay? 



J. D. Towar: I do not know as a matter of observation, but it is used very largely 

 in the south for that purpose, and with good results. 



