274 FORAGE CHOPS 



was seeded alone, especially on the poorer lands, 

 the custom being simply to harrow the land and 

 broadcast about twelve pounds of seed per acre, 

 without covering. The seed should not be sown 

 until all danger of freezing is past, as the young 

 plants are tender and will be destroyed by a light 

 frost. Where its advantages as a forage plant are 

 appreciated, it is now often made a part of a mix- 

 ture with grass, and four to five pounds of seed 

 are used per acre. 



On good land and well cared for, Japan clover 

 will reach a height of two feet or more, and can 

 be readily used for soiling or for hay. It is ready 

 for use about the middle of June as far north as 

 Virginia, and earlier in the more southern states, 

 and makes good pasture as late as November. As 

 with white clover, it should be kept pastured 

 closely for best results, and when so managed is 

 relished by all grazing stock. 



When grown for hay, the common practice is 

 not to cut until some of the seeds on the lower 

 part of the plant are ripe, which permits it to 

 reseed. While more easily cured than the red 

 clover, it should be handled in practically the same 

 way in order to prevent losses of leaves, which are 

 richer in protein than the stems. As a soil reno- 

 vator alone, it is well worthy greater attention 

 than is now given it, though valuable, also, as 

 pasture, hay and seed crop. 



