310 



LESSONS IN AGRICULTURE 



it is raked into windrows, and allowed to dry more. 

 Then the windrows are gathered into piles or hay-cocks. 

 These may stand in the field a day or two or be hauled 

 to the stack or barn at once. It should be the aim of 

 the farmer to save all the leaves of the clover possible, 

 for they contain much food material. Rains and dews 

 are injurious to the crop while curing, quickly changing 

 the color of the leaves to a dark brown, and soon de- 



m 



FIG. 95. ALFALFA 



stroying the rich aroma from the oils which make clover 

 so palatable and attractive. Red clover furnishes ex- 

 cellent pasture for stock of all kinds, but the result of 

 this practice is usually the destruction of the plants. 



Harvesting alfalfa. Alfalfa is harvested for hay in 

 a similar manner to clover. It is cut when about one- 

 fifth of the heads are in blossom. As soon as cut new 

 growth starts up, and in a few weeks it can be cut again 



