SWEET CLOVER : HARVESTING AND THRASHING SEED CROP. 



17 



18 inches long. When a corn binder is used no more seed is lost 

 from shattering than when an ordinary grain harvester is employed, 

 unless the latter is equipped with special pans and extensions, for 

 the reason, primarily, that the portions of the plants which produce 



FIG. 11. Cutting sweet clover for seed with a corn harvester. This field had been seeded in 30-inch rows. 



most of the seed extend above the gathering or divider boards and 

 are not crushed. When a 5-foot or larger growth is cut with a corn 

 binder, the plants are tied below the seed-bearing branches. 



In the semiarid sections of the country a limited quantity of sweet 

 clover is planted in rows for both forage and seed production. In 

 such a case the seed may be harvested with a corn binder. (Fig. 11.) 



STACKING THE SWEET-CLOVER SEED CROP. 



Much discussion has taken place among extensive growers of sweet 

 clover as to the advisability of stacking the seed crop after it is cut 

 with a grain binder or a corn harvester. The conditions present in 

 each case should determine the proper course to pursue. If it will 

 be impossible to thrash within 10 days after cutting, much less seed 

 will be lost by stacking two or three days after cutting than by per- 

 mitting the plants to remain in the field subject to possible rains. 

 In such cases it is urged that the crop be stacked, as the seed saved 

 by this operation, if the handling is done with care, will much more 

 than pay for the labor. When it is possible to thrash in a week or 

 10 days after cutting, the crop should be thrashed directly from the 

 field, as little seed ordinarily will be lost during this tune and the 

 work of stacking will be avoided.. 



