THE OX AND THE DAIKY. 157 



those seasons when a continuance of dry weather cannot 

 be reckoned upon, particularly when the second crop is 

 cut in September, is to take advantage of two or three 

 dry days to cut the clover, and turn it as soon as the dew 

 is completely dried off the upper side ; the next day do 

 the same, and, in the evening, cany the green dry clover, 

 and lay it in alternate layers, with sweet straw, so as to 

 form a moderately sized stack. A fermentation will soon 

 arise, but the dry straw will prevent all danger from too 

 much heating, and, acquiring the flavour of the clover, will 

 be eaten with avidity by the cattle. To those who make 

 clover hay for the use of their own stock in winter, we recom- 

 mend this as far preferable to the common method, even when 

 there is less danger from the weather. In northern climates it 

 would probably save the crops two years out of three." 



Many farmers are in the habit of sowing rye-grass (Lolium 

 perenne) in a small proportion with clover, especially on 

 lands which have been repeatedly cropped with the latter, 

 and therefore somewhat exhausted. The plan is very ex- 

 cellent, for when the mixed crop is cut and made into hay, 

 the young rye-grass will prove a good corrective to the 

 heating qualities of the clover. It is true that pure clover 

 hay is preferred in and about London, where it is extensively 

 used cut into chaff, and mixed with oats, beans, &c., and given 

 to hard-working horses. With respect to horned cattle, green 

 clover with tares and other artificial grasses is largely given ; 

 and if the succession of crops is well managed, a supply of green 

 fodder may be obtained from May to the end of November. 



The French clover (Trifolium incarnatum) has been intro- 

 duced from the south of France only within the last few years. 

 This plant is a valuable addition to our list of artificial grasses, 

 and when sown in the spring it rapidly arrives at perfection 

 One of its principal uses is as early food for ewes and lambs; 

 for this purpose it is sown in autumn, after harvest, the stubble 

 land being harrowed so as to raise the mould. On this the 

 clover-seed is sown at the rate of 18 or 20 Ibs. an acre, then 

 rolled in well. It springs up and stands the winter well; 

 and on the return of spring appears in luxuriance. It makes 

 excellent hay, and may be cleared off the ground in good time 

 to plough the land and clean it for turnips. It may be mixed 

 with rye-grass, but from its rapid and vigorous growth is not 

 well adapted for sowing with a crop of corn; indeed it is 

 doubtful whether this should be done with any clover. 



