270 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



clover hay. It is rich in protein and is fed with corn. It has been the 

 invariable experience of several hundred farmers whom I have inter- 

 viewed, that a crop grown on land increases the yield of the succeeding 

 corn crop from 10 to 18 bushels per acre. The influence of the crop on 

 the soil can be seen to the row in the field of growing corn the next 

 season. 



It has been found that tne seed can be drilled in between the rows 

 of corn, about three rows between two corn rows, just after the last 

 cultivation and produce a large amount of feed and beneficial effect on 

 the soil. 



When planted for a crop the seed should be drilled in on land pre- 

 pared as for corn, after corn planting time. As they were originally 

 tropical or semi-tropical crops they should be planted* later than corn. 

 The rows can be drilled in with a wheat drill about sixteen to eighteen 

 inches apart, or with corn planters; if with corn planter the rows should 

 be doubled. If grown for seed, drill the width of corn planter rows. 

 The ground shall be harrowed after planting, two or three times, and 

 after the plants get a good start they shall need little or no cultivation. 



The soja bean crop can be cut with a mowing machine, as the c rst 

 berries are turning brown, allowed to wilt a day, then put in barn. The 

 hay will come out as fresh and bright as when put in the barn. Keep 

 the barn closed, and handle as clover hay. The crop makes a very val- 

 uable hog feed in August and September. It can be cut off or the hogs 

 turned in the field. Experienced hog men who have used this crop recog- 

 nize a most profitable feed especially for young stuff. Cow-peas are nar- 

 vested with more difficulty. The vines are hard to handle. They are more 

 easily fed by "hogging off" in the field. Old "self-reapers" are success- 

 fully used to cut this crop. 



The variety is very important. For soja beans the medium or dwarf 

 are the two varieties that will mature in central and northern Illinois, 

 and Iowa. For cow peas, the Early Black Eye, Black and Red Ripper 

 varieties are giving the best results. 



Before planting the seed should be tested in sand or earth. They 

 contain so much oil .hat they are likely to heat and be destroyed. If 

 the seed is saved from the field it ought to be fire dried. A good plan 

 is to sow a small field. Allow the plants to mature and save your own 

 seed. Otherwise the seed should be secured from some reliable grower. 



HARROWING CORN. 



Homestead. 

 In the corn belt of the United States there are two methods in vogu> 

 for raising this important crop. One is by plowing, accompanied by sur- 

 face planting, while tne other may be confined in the limits of the word 

 listing. Both methods have their advocates, but, regardless of the advan- 



