CHAPTER XXXII. 

 CULTURE OF FORAGE PLANTS. 



HE industry of growing forage plants, either for 

 feed or soiling purposes, is still in its infancy 

 in this part of the South. However, demon- 

 strations have been carried on to such an extent 

 that we already have a large number of plants 

 suitable for both feeding animals and enriching 

 the soil. 



The plant that is probably the most easily 

 grown and which I would highly recommend to the amateur 

 grower is the velvet bean. It stands foremost in this respect, 

 the only drawback being that it is hard to save and cure properly 

 for forage purposes. 



Considerable has been written about this crop. Some find 

 much difficulty in making hay of it and are, therefore, ready to 

 condemn it at once. In my past experience, however, I have 

 found it an excellent, nutritious feed, comparing favorably with 

 alfalfa and clover hay. Of course, in our humid climate, it must 

 be cured with great care. It must not be cut when the dew is 

 on it, and it must be raked in shallow windrows or piles at once, 

 allowing it to cure in this shape. I have frequently raked it 

 directly (not even cutting it) with a steel sulky rake, tearing 

 the roots from the ground, and have found this practice a splendid 

 one. It must be left to cure for several days after raking, ac- 

 cording to the atmospheric conditions, after which it must be 

 turned ; a great deal of labor can be saved by tearing the bunches 

 apart with a sulky rake, for if put in large heaps the long tendrils 

 are apt to hold the heaps together and make it practically im- 

 possible to handle it or fork it thereafter. It must be thoroughly 

 cured before putting into hay mows or stacks. This does not 

 alone pertain to the leaves or foliage but to the vines themselves. 



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