7& MELD AND GARDEN PRODUCTS 



Value. The value of the crimson clover crop depends largely 

 on the quality of hay harvested, and this in turn on the manner of 

 curing. The methods employed in the making of crimson clover 

 hay are not unlike those practiced in curing red clover hay or 

 cowpea hay. Under the most favorable conditions crimson clover 

 will require considerable attention in curing. May weather condi- 

 tions are likely to be rather unsettled, including much rain and 

 a comparatively low temperature. The weather conditions, 

 however, are as favorable for handling crimson clover as for 

 cowpeas. It will be noted from the table that the average precipita- 

 tion and temperature for September are nearly the same as for May. 

 The general practice is to cut when the dew is off, allow to wilt 

 thoroughly, but not long enough for the leaves to snap, throw into 

 small cocks built high on a small base and leave standing for several 

 days. The most of the curing and sweating is done in the cock. 

 Just before housing the cocks are turned over and opened so that 

 the hay may be thoroughly aired. 



The hay tedder will be found a very efficient appliance in han- 

 dling a heavy cutting. More even curing is possible by this method. 

 The tedder is started soon after the mower and the clover turned as 

 often as the time will permit. This hastens curing and the hay may 

 be put in cocks earlier and more evenly cured. 



Hay caps of oiled muslin or canvas material would undoubt- 

 edly be of advantage in handling crimson clover hay. These, while 

 rather expensive, may be used for many years with proper care. 

 The stage of maturity at which to cut is important, inasmuch as it 

 largely determines the quality, as well as the ease of curing. If cut 

 too early, more difficulty will be met with, as the plant then contains 

 the maximum moisture content. If cut too late, the hay will be 

 more readily cured, but will likely be less palatable on account of the 

 greater amount of crude fiber. As mentioned above, while discuss- 

 ing the feeding value of crimson clover, injury may follow the use 

 of the over-ripe hay. The blossoms of crimson clover begin to open 

 at the base of the spike, and as the lower part of the spike becomes 

 faded the plant is little past the middle stage of the blossoming pe- 

 riod. Most of the replies to the question regarding the stage of ma- 

 turity for cutting, state that full bloom is the time to cut for best 

 results. (Del. Agr. Exp. Sta. Bui. 89.) 



ALSIKE CLOVER. 



This plant (Trifolium hybridum) is a perennial clover, in size 

 and appearance intermediate between red and white clover. It is 

 adapted to more moist ground than red clover and is recommended 

 as a constituent of wet pastures. In some localities farther north it 

 does better and is a more certain crop. It will supply about as much 

 pasture as red clover, is seeded at the same time, and furnishes pas- 

 ture for the same period. As a hay crop it will not yield as much, 

 but it is a little better than red clover, as it does not have as woody a 

 stem. (Dept, Agr. B. P. I. Bui. 111.) 



This clover is well and favorably known and widely cultivated 

 in mixtures for meadows and pastures, especially in low and wet 



