PASTURING RED CLOVER 343 



a few hours before storing. The use of cock covers to pro- 

 tect the hay from dew and rain is generally necessary to 

 obtain the best quahty of hay. Clover should not be allowed 

 to become too dry before it is put into the mow or stack, or 

 the leaves will crumble and the hay will be dusty. 



If the hay is stacked, rather more than ordinary care is 

 necessary in building the stack, for clover hay does not shed 

 water as readily as hay made from the grasses. Much valu- 

 able hay may be saved if a foundation of rails or of poor 

 hay is put down before the stack of clover hay is started 

 and if the stack is covered with grass hay, straw, or boards. 

 It is a good plan to have this covering extend as far down the 

 sides of the stack as possible to prevent loss from weathering. 



Care must be taken not to put the hay into the mow or 

 stack when it is wet with dew or rain, as spontaneous com- 

 bustion may result from the heating which will take place. 

 Even though the hay does not become hot enough to burn, it 

 is very likely to be seriously damaged. 



453. Pasturing Red Clover. Red clover is an excellent 

 pasture plant for stock of all kinds, though it is not so good 

 for permanent pasture as white clover. Close pasturing 

 during the first year of its growth or early in the spring is 

 likely to greatly reduce the quantity of hay or pasture which 

 will be supplied during the season. Sheep or cattle are some- 

 times Hkely to bloat when first turned on clover pasture, 

 particularly if they are hungry and the clover is damp. The 

 stock should be well filled with other feed when turned in and 

 be accustomed to the clover gradually. 



454. Value of Clover Hay and Pasture. As clover is rich 

 in protein, it makes an excellent part of the ration for all 

 kinds of stock, particularly for young and growing animals, 

 for dairy cows, and for poultry. Where clover can be grown 

 successfully, protein can be supplied more cheaply in this 

 form than in bran, oilmeal, or other expensive purchased 

 feeds. Red clover contains considera]:)ly less protein than 



