248 SUCCESSFUL FARMING 



or pasture, all possess high feeding value, and are especially desirable for 

 the production of milk, butter and the growth of young animals. They are 

 among the most highly nutritious forage plants, and should supplant as 

 far as possible the expensive concentrates such as bran, oil meal, cotton- 

 seed meal, etc. 



Harvesting Methods. — The purpose for which the product is used 

 will determine the method of harvesting. When used for soiling, it is 

 advisable to cut clover each day in quantities sufficient to meet the day's 

 ration. If used for silage it should be cut when fairly mature, and go 

 directly to the silo with but little loss of moisture. 



When clovers are cut for hay, both the quality and quantity of feed 

 should be considered. If the acreage to be harvested is large it will be 





A Clover Field in Blossom. 1 



advisable to commence early in order to complete the work before the crop 

 becomes too mature. The more uncertain the weather, the earlier the 

 process should begin. 



The best quality of hay is secured by a comparatively slow process of 

 curing. In this process the moisture should leave the plants almost entirely 

 through the leaves. Clover cut in the middle of a hot, dry day when the 

 ground is dry and the sunshine bright, will dry so rapidly that the leaves soon 

 lose their structure, become brittle and cease to give off moisture. Although 

 there may still be much moisture in the stems of the clover, the leaves 

 will break and be largely lost in the handling of the hay. These leaves are 

 high in feeding value. It is wise, therefore, to cut in the evening and to 

 place the hay in the windrow before the leaves become sufficiently dry to 

 break and shatter. The best quality of hay is secured by placing in shocks 

 before thoroughly cured and allowing curing to be completed slowly within 



1 Courtesy of Hoard's Dairyman. 



