294 CLOVERS 



which the other cannot, since it grows chiefly in 

 winter and early spring, whereas Japan clover grows 

 in the summer and early autumn, when cultivated 

 crops occupy the land. 



Place in the Rotation. Burr clover is grown 

 more in the sense of a catch crop and for pasture 

 than in that of a crop to be marketed directly. Since 

 it is grown in the winter and spring, it may be made 

 to come in between various crops. On good pro- 

 ducing lands of the South it has given satisfaction 

 as a pasture plant for winter for many successive 

 years without re-sowing by hand, when sown in con- 

 junction with crab grass (Panicum sanguinale) for 

 hay. Dr. Phares grew it thus in Mississippi for 

 about 20 years. In June crab grass sprang up on the 

 ground, and being cut when in blossom, produced a 

 good crop of hay in August. A lighter cutting was 

 again taken in October. The clover then took pos- 

 session of the land and was grazed until spring, 

 but not so closely as to prevent re-seeding in May, 

 after which the plants died down. 



By thus allowing the plants to mature seed, any 

 crop may follow that can be grown after May. By 

 following burr clover with cow peas, land may be 

 much fertilized in one year. By reversing the proc- 

 ess on land low in fertility, that is, sowing the peas 

 first and the clover later, a much better growth of 

 the clover will be secured. The seed may also be 

 sown in corn and cotton crops, with a view to en- 

 riching the land. But it is only in the Gulf States 

 that much attention is given to growing burr clover 

 thus, and for the reason, probably, that the winters 



