THE CLOVERS 131 



which will not grow red clover, and in such regions proves 

 a valuable crop. 



Crimson clover. This clover, whose cultural methods 

 are similar to those of red clover, differs from the other 

 clovers in being an annual. It is a relatively new crop, 

 having recently been brought to this country from Europe. 

 It is grown chiefly in the southeastern part of the United 

 States, where it assumes the same importance that red 

 clover has farther north. Crimson clover does not demand 

 so rich a soil as red clover or alfalfa, but is of great im- 

 portance in the southeast and southwest of the United 

 States. 



TOPICS FOR INVESTIGATION 



1. How many acres of red clover are now growing on 

 your father's farm? Make a comparison for all the farms 

 represented in the school. What other legumes are raised 

 at your home? Is the red clover grown alone, or with 

 timothy ? 



2. How long have your father's clover-fields been 

 down? Ask your father whether red clover that has been 

 down two or three years begins to die out? What is the 

 oldest field of red clover in the vicinity? 



3. Secure several samples of red-clover seed. These 

 may be taken from the supply intended for sowing, or from 

 the barn floor where red clover is fed. Study these sam- 

 ples with reference to the qualities named in the text for 

 clover seed. What proportion of the seed turns out to be 

 weed seed instead of clover? Can you identify the dif- 

 ferent weeds represented? 



4. Make a seed tester out of two plates and pieces of 

 Canton flannel. Place one hundred seeds of red clover be- 

 tween the plates, dampen the cloth and keep warm for four 

 or five days. How many of the seeds have sprouted ? What 

 percentage failed to grow? Is it probable that some of the 

 seeds were "hard" ? 



5. If red-clover seed such as you tested is selling at 

 eight dollars a bushel, what would the good seed in your 

 sample really cost the purchaser? Would a farmer better 



