46 



of some practical men, that one crop allowed to per- 

 fect itself and then die where it grew, and then 

 turned in dry, is superior to three turned in green." 



What can be the cause of this ? The crop that is 

 left to ripen and fall where it grew, shades, protects, 

 and mulches the soil. And it may ba, that half its 

 substance is leached out, and enriches the surface, 

 with liquid manure. 



If this is the case, certainly no better way could be 

 adopted, to use clover to improve the land. Yet I 

 would modify this treatment, by following the advise 

 of Joseph Harris. That is, to cut down the clover 

 when in full bloom, and let the second crop grow up 

 through it, and also cut the second when ready, and 

 let it decay awhile, before plowing for wheat. 



This mode would effectually head off all weeds that 

 might be among the clover. But with regard to the 

 crop becoming sour, if turned in green is another 

 matter. If you are careful to plow in the green 

 dressing, very shallow, and the soil is mellow and 

 loamy, there will be no danger of ascetic fermentation. 

 If you are afraid of it, sow lime or salt over it before 

 plowing, and that will prevent it, and be a benefit to 

 the wheat. 



Clover has but one fault. In its infancy, it is very 

 tender and feeble, and cannot always stand the 

 atmospheric changes. It may be that we are to 

 blame. We may not know when to sow the seed to 

 insure a perfect germination. One farmer will tell 

 you to sow very early, even on the last fall of snow. 

 Another will say wait till May. And some will 

 declare, that they never fail, when they sow in June, 

 Yet failures will take place. 



