Leguminous Plants for Green Forage and Hay. 



183 



more valuable carbohydrates, reached their maximum at the time 

 the plants were in full bloom, and diminished in amount after that 

 period. The loss after blooming was probably largely due to the 

 withering and dropping off of the lower leaves on the clover stems. 

 This shrinkage of valuable nutrients in the clover plant after the 

 bloom period is in strong contrast with their continued increase up 

 to full ripening in Indian corn and other grasses, as previously 

 shown. (16, 238) 



Yield and nutrients in an acre of medium red clover. 



The table clearly points to full bloom as theoretically the best date 

 for cutting clover hay. Practical experience, however, places the time 

 somewhat later, or when about one-third of the heads have turned 

 brown. This is because at any earlier date the plant is so soft and 

 sappy that only with difficulty can it be cured into good hay. De- 

 laying until all the heads are dead makes haying still easier, but 

 means poor, woody, unpalatable hay. 



251. Methods of haying.— Three methods, each of which has its 

 advantages and its disadvantages, are followed in making clover 

 hay. Under the first system the clover is mown as soon as the dew 

 is off in the morning, and by frequent tedding and turning, aided 

 by bright sunshine, it is housed before 5 o'clock in the afternoon, at 

 which time the gathering dew shuts off further operations. To se- 

 cure good results under this system the clover must be somewhat 

 past its prime for the best hay, the ground dry and warm, and tlie 

 weather favorable. 



The second system differs from the first only in cutting the clover 

 late in the afternoon so that the dew will not materially affect the 

 plants during the night, as they will then have wilted but little. 

 The following day, with the aid of the tedder, operations should pro- 

 ceed as rapidly as possible, and the crop be placed under cover be- 

 fore night. 



