58 SECOND THOUSAND QUESTIONS IN AGRICULTURE 



Sow rye and vetch. Rye is commended because of its disposition 

 to make best early and mid-winter growth for green-feeding. (See 

 also Part III, Vol. I.) 



Vetch and Wheat. 



/ planted Oregon vetch mixed with wheatabout two and a half 

 pounds of vetch to one of wheat. Will the two ripen together, and when 

 should they be cut? Will the ordinary wheat reaper and thresher handle 

 the vetch f Would it pay to thresh or would the fodder cured for hay 

 be more profitable? 



With such a preponderance of vetch seed you are not likely to get 

 much wheat, if the vetch suits the situation and makes its customary 

 growth. The two plants can be cut and threshed with the same ma- 

 chinery, by watching and adjusting the concaves if necessary. You will 

 have to cut before the vetch shells out if you care to get that seed. We 

 should cut such a combination for hay, not letting the vetch get too 

 ripe, and for cow hay the vetch would increase the value. 



Japan Clover. 



Is Japan clover, or Lespedeza, grown anywhere in California, and 

 what is the food value compared to alfalfa? Will stock eat it as well as 

 alfalfa when dry? Is it suitable for land in the foothills, without irri- 

 ationf 



It is an annual which will not grow in most California places in the 

 rainy season, because it is tender against frost. It will not grow much 

 during our dry summer, because it does not like drouth. It is of no use 

 without irrigation, and if one has water he can grow alfalfa, which is 

 vastly superior, because it makes several times as much growth and be- 

 cause it does not need to be seeded every year. Bur clover is worth 

 more to us than Japan clover because it grows in the winter and seeds 

 itself. Japan clover was tried in California as early as 1880, and pro- 

 nounced of no account. In the Southern States, with summer rains, it is 

 well thought of. 



Growing Medicinal Plants. 



Will you kindly refer me to literature on the culture of herbs? Being 

 interested in the raising of kitchen and medicinal herbs for market, I 

 should be very glad of information on the kind of soil best adapted, the 

 demand and how supplied, the securing of a market, the possible profit. 

 Are these crops grown to any extent? 



Write to the State Forester, Sacramento, for a copy of Dr. Schnei- 

 der's report on "Pharmacal Plants," which will be sent free on application. 

 You will find suggestions of the possible profitability of these plants in 

 the report. It is, however, not safe to enter largely upon the production 

 of these herbs without ascertaining beforehand who your customers will 

 be and what price will be available. They are not suitable for putting 

 upon the general market. Special contracts are desirable before making 

 investment of time, land and money. 



