60 



FOR BETTER CROPS IN THE SOUTH 



is no better feed for milch cows. When cowpeas are grown 

 alone, the yield is much larger than when grown with corn, the 

 hay is finer and of still better quality, but is more expensive as 

 the ground is making no other crop at the same time. The 

 cowpea is one of the best fertilizing and renovating crops, and 

 its effects on the soil fully repay the cost of planting and culti- 

 vation, leaving the hay crop as clear profit. Any land which has 

 made a good yield of cowpea hay is always in an ideal condition 

 for the production of any other crop the following season; and 

 there is no other summer crop which is better for preparing the 

 ground for oats, alfalfa, or any other crop to be sown in the fall. 



Planting may be done at any time from April until July, 

 and the amount of seed needed varies with the time and method 

 of planting. When sown broadcast, or in corn at its last culti- 



A modern mower cutting hairy -vetch 



vation, one bushel per acre is commonly used ; but when sown 

 in drills half that amount is sufficient ; and when any of the 

 strong-growing, long-season varieties are sown in the spring not 

 more than a peck per acre is required. 



Soy Beans— Of more recent introduction, soy beans promise 

 to become almost as important as cowpeas, as they produce seed 

 more freely; some varieties are equally good for hay, and all are 

 equally good in their effect on the soil. Of these there are two 

 principal 'types : one has a heavy, erect stem with few branches 

 and is too coarse for good hay, but produces an immense yield of 

 seed; while the other makes numerous long and slender branches 

 which are fine for hay, but which produce less seed than the erect 



