CRIMSON CLOVER 



169 



Crimson clover (Fig. 115) is an annual usually used as a winter 

 cover crop. The heads are long and usually of a bright crimson or 

 scarlet color, but there is a variety with white blossoms. In the 

 southern states and as far north as Ohio the crop is usually sown 

 in summer or very early fall. The growth produced during the 

 fall season makes a green cover over the soil throughout the winter. 

 This may be used for grazing purposes when the soil is not too 

 muddy* In early spring the growth becomes more rapid and the 

 flower stems shoot up quickly . It may then be cut for hay or may 

 be turned under as a green manure for improvement of the soil. 



The hay crop is best suited for dairy cattle and for sheep, as 

 the plant is very fuzzy and should not be used to any great extent 

 for horses. 



Fid. 115. Crimson clover was a new thing in this community and all are pleased with it. 



(E. Thomae.) 



The crop is often sown with a mixture of winter vetch and 

 winter grain, or with either of these separately. These mixtures 

 make a more dense growth on the soil during the winter and more 

 green manure is produced to turn under in the spring. The mix- 

 ture may also be cut for hay if desired. The presence of the grain 

 makes the hay coarser and not so rich in protein. 



The seed of crimson clover has been produced chiefly in Europe. 

 American farmers are also beginning to produce it. The heads 

 are sometimes stripped with simple home-made devices corre- 

 sponding to wooden combs and are caught in a carrier behind the 

 comb. They are then cured and the seed thrashed out by the use 

 of hulling machines. The rifle seed heads are sometimes cut with 

 a common mower to which a carrier is attached. As the carrier 



