CHAPTER XVII 



PERMANENT MEADOWS AND PASTURES 



The raising of hay forms a very important part 

 of the farming interests of the eastern and central 

 western states. The aggregate area in hay is 

 greater than in any other crop. While in parts of 

 the eastern states the hay crop is deemed worthy 

 of the best attention of the farmer, this is the ex- 

 ception rather than the rule; therefore, while there 

 may be profit from its growth, the yield and value 

 are much less than should be secured were the 

 crop given the same attention as the other crops 

 in the rotation. In most instances, the hay is 

 seeded rather as a catch- crop with wheat, rye or 

 oats, and, while good catches are frequently se- 

 cured, more often the stand is thin, thus reducing 

 the yield, besides permitting the growth of natural 

 grasses and weeds, and very materially reducing 

 the quality of the product. Modern conditions 

 would seem to warrant greater attention being 

 given to this crop, and experiments show clearly 

 that the hay crop will respond quite as profitably 

 to good care, and the use of manures and fertili- 

 zers, as any other field crop. 



(311) 



