Crimson Clover 121 



ing a "catch." On the better tilled lands, however, crimson 

 clover may be expected to succeed as often as any other 

 plant of its class. Growers have made a mistake in expect- 

 ing too heavy growth of herbage in the crimson clover. 

 It is an annual plant, normally completing its entire 

 growth in a single season. When sown at midseason, 

 therefore, it should not be expected to yield a very heavy 

 crop. If it should arrive at that stage when it nearly or 

 wholly covers the ground with a thin close mat, it will 

 have reached its most profitable condition. If the crimson 

 clover passes the winter and grows in the spring, much 

 will be gained; but if it should not pass the winter, nothing 

 will be lost. If it is sown very early (that is, before the 

 first of July in New York), it is likely to become too 

 large and ripe, and be killed by the winter; if it is sown too 

 late (after the middle of August), it will ordinarily not 

 attain sufficient foothold to be able to withstand the heav- 

 ing by frost. Crimson clover may be sown among Indian 



FIG. 24. Cover-crop of alfalfa in a western orchard. 



