SWEET CLOVEB : HARVESTING AXD THRASHING SEED CROP. 5 



MACfflNERY USED FOR HARVESTING THE SEED CROP. 



No machine thus far manufactured has given entire satisfaction 

 for cutting the sweet-clover seed crop. On account of the ease 

 with which the pods shatter, it is a question whether any machine 

 can be devised which will handle this crop without the loss of some 

 seed. It is possible and practicable, however, for farmers at a small 

 cost to equip their binders with pans and guards, so as to save most 

 of the seed which otherwise would be lost. 



THE ORDINARY MOWER. 



The ordinary mowing machine is one of the most unsatisfactory 

 devices used for harvesting this crop, as the subsequent handling 

 necessary to place the plants in windrows or cocks causes much of the 

 seed to shatter. The use of this machine for this purpose should be 

 avoided whenever possible. 



THE SELF-RAKE REAPER. 



The self-rake reaper is one of the most efficient machines employed 

 to cut sweet clover for seed. (Fig. 1.) This machine deposits the 

 newly cut plants with the tops all turned one way in gavels or bunches 

 at the side, so that the horses do not trample them on the next round. 

 A high stubble also may be left, thereby reducing the weight and 

 bulk of the plants which must be hauled to the thrashing machine. 



It is the custom in some localities to leave the gavels to cure 

 as dropped by the reaper on the ground, while in other sections they 



FIG. 1. A self-rake reaper used in some sections of the country for cstting the sweet-clover seed crop. 



