Inter-Planted Crops 133 



at present. If it becomes dry after seeding, a poor germina- 

 tion may be expected, or if the seed germinates, the plants 

 are killed quickly by lack of moisture. They also easily 

 succumb from too intense heat. Where there is lack of 

 moisture, hairy vetch is preferable. 



When a good stand of crimson clover is secured, it makes 

 almost an ideal crop for orchard purposes, the uncertainty 

 in this respect being its one weak point. However, it does 

 well when once fairly started on most soils excepting those 

 that are very poor and lacking in humus, and stiff, hard 

 clays, neither of which are desirable peach soils. 



In Delaware and adjacent areas the seed is broadcasted 

 and lightly covered by harrowing. About 15 pounds of 

 seed or a little more to the acre are generally used. Seeding 

 is done from about the middle of .July through most of August, 

 though if sown too late it will not make growth enough be- 

 fore cold weather. 



Under favorable conditions, it should make considerable 

 growth in the fall, which is actively renewed early in the 

 spring. A good mass of herbage may be expected ready to 

 turn under in the spring by the time cultivation needs to 

 be resumed. 



It is sometimes considered an advantage to seed with 

 rye, oats, or some other small grain, using 10 to 15 pounds 

 of crimson clover seed and a bushel of the small grain to the 

 acre. It is also recommended to mix about a pound of rape 

 or cowhorn turnip seed with the crimson clover seed with 

 the idea that the plants of the latter as they grow will furnish 

 protection to the weaker and more tender clover plants 

 while they are very small. 



It is also practicable in some cases, in turning under the 

 clover, where it has made vigorous growth to leave some of 



