AGRICULTURAL TEXT-BOOK. 189 



rule applies to tlie second crop. Seed is saved only from the 

 second crop ; and may be cut in the usual manner and thrashed, 

 or the heads are pulled off by an implement for the purpose, and 

 the hay left as pasture. Before thrashing, the seed snould be 

 allowed to become perfectly dry. The produce varies from 

 2^ to 6 bushels per acre, when cleaned. Cleaning the seed for 

 market, requires a machine for the purpose worked by horse 

 power. In consequence, many farmers sow it mixed with the 

 chaff, in which case they must judge as well as they can of the 

 quantity. 



Clover seed should be large, full, glossy, and of bright orange yellow 

 and bold purple mixed ; when handled it has an oily feel. Damaged 

 seed is said to be frequently dried and polished in England for sale, but 

 this can generally be detected by the rougher feel, and the duller ap- 

 pe:i ranee ; and still better by sprouting it as directed for the grasses. 

 The Statute weight in Michigan is 60 Ibs. to the bushel, but the best 

 seed wilt weigh as much as 64 Ibs. or over. At 64 Ibs. to the Imperial 

 Bushel, 2000 grains weigh one drachm. (Stephens.) The seed of White 

 Clover is very small, of a rich golden yellow color, weighing 65 Ibs. to 

 the bushel, and affording 4000 grains to a drachm weight. (Stephens.) 

 Nejjr seeds are the best, the germinating power failing the second year. 

 Large quantities of the seed of Red Clover are annually exported to 

 Europe. 



421. In making clover hay, great care must be taken that 

 the leaf is not so scorched and dried up as to break into pow 

 der; which too often happens, to the great injury of the hay. 

 This may be avoided by the following process. While mow 

 ing, have men to follow, and put every swathe into small cocks, 

 at about a rod distance. On the second day, or if the weather 

 is damp, not till the third, turn over one of those small cocks, 

 and place two more upon it, laying the greenest part nicely on 

 the top so as to shed rain ; then let it remain several days. It 

 becomes a little heated, and the moisture all evaporates through 

 the cock. Before hauling in, open the cocks, and air them for 

 an hour previous. By loading and unloading it receives air 

 enough to be thoroughly cured, if sufficiently sweated in the cock. 



