LEGUMINOUS PLANTS. 119 



blossoms arc turninL;- l)r()\vn, since not only is 

 th<j )icl(l heavier at this time (as the leaves, 

 which are the best part of the hay drop off when 

 it is riper), but its nutritive value is greatest. 



Clover hay is excellent rouo-fiaor for sheep, 

 cows, and growing stock. The dust detracts 

 from its value as roughage for horses, but a 

 limited a^nount may be fed to them in connec- 

 tion with other rough food. 



II. Crimson Clover [Trijo/ium iucanialum), 

 though not so valuable for hay as red clover — 

 since it is an annual and makes but one crop — 

 is excellent for green manuring, winter soil 

 mulching, an^l .s7?/////^4'— cutting green and supply- 

 in"- to the stock in barns and yards. 



It is better adapted to the Southern States, 

 as the fall sowing will not stand the severe win- 

 ters of the North, nor the drouth of the western 

 plains, though fine crops have sometimes been 

 obtained outside the Southern States. 



It may be sown in spring or early summer, 

 when it matures in late summer or autumn. 

 This crop makes a good fall pasture, after which 

 it may be plowed under, or if not having been 

 allowed to produce seed and it survives the 

 winter, it may be used for green food, soiling, 

 or as green manuring in the spring. It is, how- 

 ever, commonly sown in late summer or early 

 fall; where the winters are mild it serves excel- 

 lently as a winter soil mulch. 



