12S Peach-Growing 



only about one-half the quantity of seed is needed as when 

 sowed broadcast. However, the size of the seed varies 

 greatly in different varieties, and the smaller the seed the 

 smaller the quantity that needs to be used. Seeding may 

 also be done with a grain-drill, in which case about two- 

 thirds the quantity of seed should be used as when broad- 

 casted. About 3 pecks of the smaller-seeded varieties such 

 as New Era and Iron will suffice. 



When cowpeas are used to maintain the soil in good con- 

 dition and with no special reference to definite improvement, 

 it may be practicable to cure the tops for hay, since from 

 25 to nearly 50 per cent of the total dry matter remains still 

 available for soil maintenance in the roots, stubble, and 

 fallen leaves. If the hay is fed and the manure returned 

 to the orchard, but little of the value of the crop for soil 

 improvement is lost. 



There is considerable preference in varieties of cowpeas 

 for orchard purposes. The Whippoorwill is a standard 

 vigorous sort much grown. Wonderful is very vigorous, 

 making a large mass of herbage, but maturing late and 

 seeding only very lightly. New Era is one of the earliest 

 maturing varieties and, therefore, is desirable for the more 

 northern sections where cowpeas are used, though it does 

 not make as much growth as the later sorts. The Groit 

 is similar to New Era but considered preferable by some. 

 Other good varieties for orchard purposes include Clay, 

 Taylor, and Red Ripper, especially where the growing of 

 seed is not an item. 



The Iron is resistant to nematodes and wilt disease and 

 for this reason has attained considerable prominence and 

 is to be especially recommended in regions of the South 

 where that parasite is known to be serious. However, 



