168 THE CHIEF SOUTHERN AGRICULTURAL CROPS 



using the uncleaned seed. Alfalfa is an efficient 

 nitrogen gatherer, and old fields of it when plowed are 



noted for their richness 

 and productiveness. The 

 plant, however, being a 

 perennial and rather diffi- 

 cult to establish, is usually 

 planted for hay and pas- 

 turage rather than for soil- 

 improving purposes. 



The seed resembles that 

 of clover and it is sown 

 broadcast and lightly har- 

 rowed in. 



Peanuts (^Arachis hypo- 

 gced). — In certain parts of 

 the South the peanut is 

 cultivated as a commercial 

 crop ; in this connection, 

 however, it will be consid- 

 ered chiefly as a forage 

 plant. 



In those regions where 

 the cornfields are utilized 

 for hog pasturage in the 

 fall, it is a common practice 

 to plant a row of peanuts 

 between the corn rows, in- 

 stead of cowpeas. The peanut, being also a legume, 

 is quite efficient as a nitrogen gatherer. The suc- 

 culent tops make excellent pasturage for animals of 

 all kinds, and the nuts, which the hogs dig for them- 



Alialia. 



