CRIMSON CLOVER. 97 
Habits of growth: Being a resident of southern Europe, it is 
evident that Crimson Clover likes a warm climate. When found 
wild, it is a so-called winter annual; that is, the seeds germinate in 
the fall or during the summer and the young plants reach full develop- 
ment relatively early the following season. In Canada only the 
southern parts of British Columbia are mild enough to insure the 
plants living through the winter. Even in southwestern Ontario 
the returns from late-sown seed are uncertain. It is therefore the 
general practice to sow Crimson Clover early in spring and harvest 
the crop the same season. Although it requires a warm climate and 
is able to make a surprisingly good growth in sandy soil, Crimson 
Clover cannot endure severe drought. It does well in light soil that 
can be irrigated during the growing season. 
Agricultural value: Crimson Clover has a high nutritive value 
and can be used for either hay or pasture. It is valuable for soiling 
purposes in short rotations and in orchards, as the green matter 
produced is heavy and the roots penetrate deep into the ground. 
Fodder: Crimson Clover hay is readily eaten by all kinds of 
farm animals and is claimed to be especially suitable for those doing 
heavy work. Like other clovers, it has its highest nutritive value 
when in flower and should not be cut for hay later than in full bloom. 
The blossoms are provided with a great number of rather long hairs, 
soft and harmless before the plant has reached -the flowering stage. 
When it blossoms these hairs become stiff and may cause serious 
indigestion. Experience has therefore shown that it is advisable to 
cut Crimson Clover a little earlier than in full bloom. Harvesting 
may be done in the same way as for Red Clover. 
Pasture: Where the winters are mild enough to allow Crimson 
Clover to be sown late in the summer, it can be pastured the same 
fall and then early next spring. Where the climate, as in south- 
western Ontario, makes spring sowing necessary, pasturing must be 
limited to one season. In those sections of Ontario where Crimson 
Clover is grown, it is commonly used as pasture for hogs. Fifteen 
to twenty pounds of seed should be used to the acre. 
Seed: As Crimson Clover plants produce a great number of 
heads, containing numerous blossoms, a large amount of seed is 
generally developed. Favourable weather, however, is necessary 
during harvesting, as the quality of the seed is affected by rain. 
The seeds are easily shed and it is therefore advisable to cut when 
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