86 FORAGE CROPS. 



years. The method by which this end may be 

 accompHshed is substantially the same as that given 

 for securing the re-seeding of the medium red 

 clover. (See Page 74.) But with Alsike clover 

 this end is more easily attained than with the com- 

 mon red, since heads of matured seed uneaten by 

 the live stock are apt to be more numerous because 

 of the more recumbent character of the growth of 

 the clover. It is also a hardier plant. However, 

 on some soils, particularly those of a stiff character, 

 it would not be wise thus to perpetuate clover 

 pastures. 



Pasturing. — When Alsike clover is sown alone, 

 it may be pastured continuously after it has made a 

 good start in the spring. But it will not produce 

 much growth after the season for maturing the 

 seed ; that is to say, after the period about simulta- 

 neous with the ripening of the barley crop. Because 

 of this habit of growth the value of Alsike clover as 

 a pasture crop is materially decreased. As with 

 other kinds of clover, more pasture will be obtained 

 where the cropping is not too close. When the pas- 

 ture is grazed too closely, the hot sun produces a 

 more rapid evaporation on the unshaded ground, 

 and it further weakens the chance of the plants to 

 grow because of cramped breathing capacity. Close 

 cropping in the autumn increases the hazard to the 

 plants from cold winds and severe frosts, since it 

 completely removes the covering that would other- 

 wise aid in protecting them. 



Alsike clover pasture is relished by all kinds 

 of live stock grown upon the farm ; and there would 

 seem to be less danger of hoven when animals are 

 feeding upon it than when feeding upon medium red 



