60 AGRICULTURE. 



VETCHES OR TARES have smaller pods and seeds than peas, 

 and are grown for soiling along with oats. The stiff stalks of 

 the oats help to support the slender vines of the tares. 



COMMON RED CLOVER is also known as broad leaf clover 

 or trefoil. The peculiar light spot on the leaves and the 

 closeness of the upper leaves to the head are to be noted. It 

 grows to two feet in height, and the roots penetrate the soil 

 deeply. While in some localities it is a perennial, in 

 most temperate regions it is a biennial. Its form and 

 mode of growth adapt it for hay rather than for pasture. It 

 ripens about the same time as orchard grass and about two 

 weeks earlier than timothy. It should be cut before the heads 

 become very brown ; if left too late its leaves, which form a 

 large part of it, become brittle and drop off in handling. After 

 being cut once the plants rapidly grow up again, giving a second 

 crop, the aftermath or rowen. The depth to which its roots go 

 depends greatly upon the state of the soil ; therefore the soil 

 should be well drained. When the sod is turned over, large 

 quantities of humus, rich in nitrogen, are left near the surface 

 for the wheat or other grain crop following. A variety of red 

 clover is known as mammoth clover. 



WHITE OR DUTCH CLOVER is a low growing plant, with 

 creeping stems and white blossoms It is very hardy and apt 

 to crowd or smother out other plants. It is one of the most 

 frequent plants in pasture fields, and is especially valuable for 

 sheep and cattle. It is usually sown with grass seeds in 

 permanent pasture mixtures. 



ALSIKE OR SWEDISH CLOVER is a perennial with pink 

 blossoms, growing about two feet high. It thrives in cool 

 climates. It does not give such heavy yields as red clover, 

 but is specially adapted for hay fields that are to be kept for 

 several years. It is sometimes sown along with other seeds for 

 pastures. 



