142 



SILAGE CROPS. 



titles of food materials secured at four different stages 

 of growth of red clover. 



YIELD PER ACRE OF RED CLOVER IN POUNDS. 



Professor Hunt obtained 3,600 pounds of hay per acre 

 from clover cut in full bloom, and 3,260 pounds when 

 three-fourths of the heads were dead. The yields of dry 

 matter in the two cases were 2,526 pounds, and 2,427 

 pounds respectively. All components, except crude fibre 

 (see Glossary), yielded less per acre in the second cut- 

 ting. Jordan found the same result, comparing the yields 

 and composition of clover cut when in bloom, some heads 

 dead, and heads all dead, the earliest cutting giving the 

 maximum yield of dry matter, and of all components ex- 

 cept crude fibre. 



The common practice of farmers is to cut clover for 

 the silo when in full bloom, or when the first single heads 

 are beginning to wilt, that is, when right for hay-making, 

 and we notice that the teachings of the investigations 

 made are in conformity with this practice. 



Many farmers are increasing the value of their corn 

 silage by the addition of clover. A load of clover to a 

 load or two loads of well-matured corn is a good mixture. 



Alfalfa (lucerne) is the great, coarse forage plant of 

 the West, and during late years, it has been grown con- 

 siderably in the Northern and Central States. In irrigated 

 districts it will yield more food materials per acre of land 

 than perhaps any other crop. Four to five cuttings, each 

 yielding a ton to a ton and a half of hay, are common in 



