OTHER CLOVERS 409 



484. Seed-production. Commercial seed of alsike 

 clover is now produced mainly in Ontario, Wisconsin, 

 Michigan, Ohio and Minnesota. It is also produced in 

 most of the countries of northern Europe, but mainly 

 for home consumption. Alsike usually yields less seed to 

 the acre than either red clover or white clover. 



The seed yields are best on land that is moderately 

 dry. The plants are mowed when the heads are brown 

 and the seed in the dough stage, as later cutting involves 

 loss by shattering. If not cut till ripe, it should be mowed 

 when moist with dew. Great care is necessary in curing. 

 Usually the first crop is harvested as seed, as in most of 

 the regions where seed is grown the second crop does not 

 have time to ripen. 



European seed yields are given by various authorities 

 as ranging from 100 to 600 pounds to an acre, with about 

 300 pounds as the average. 



In 9 cooperative trials in 

 northern Wisconsin, the 

 maximum yield was 6J 

 bushels to an acre, and the 

 average 3J bushels. 



485. Seed. Alsike clo- 

 ver seed (Fig. 45) may be 

 distinguished from most 

 other clovers by its small, 



FIG. 45. Alsike clover seeds. 

 Somewhat heart-shaped a, seeds showing variation in form 



Seeds, and from white * nd surf f e appearance, enlarged; 



b, natural size of seeds. 



clover by its green color. 



Old seeds turn brown. Old seeds and screenings are 

 sometimes used as adulterants. Trefoil may be, and 

 timothy is commonly, present as an impurity. 



Good seed often attains a purity of 99 per cent and a 



