314 FIELD CROPS 



to adulteration than the seed of many of the other grasses 

 and clovers. Redtop, orchard grass, and other grass seeds 

 are sometimes found in it, but usually in small quantities 

 only. The seed is best sown with a broadcast seeder of the 

 wheelbarrow type, though any of the common methods are 

 generally satisfactory. A light harrowing after seeding 

 will cover the seed to a sufficient depth. In the winter 

 wheat region, timothy is generally sown in the fall with that 

 grain; farther north, it is sown in the spring with spring 

 grain. When sown with grain, a special seeding attachment 

 on the drill is sometimes used. Of recent years, July and 

 August seeding without a nurse crop is coming into quite 

 general favor in some sections. As the seed is small, it 

 should not be covered too deeply; one-half inch is usually 

 sufficient except in dry seasons. 



389. Care of the Meadow. The habit of growth of 

 timothy makes it particularly adapted to use as a hay grass. 

 The meadow should not be pastured if the largest yields of 

 hay are desired. The bulbs produced at the base of the 

 culms are pulled up and eaten by stock, particularly during 

 dry seasons when the growth of the grass is slow. These 

 bulbs are also injured by the trampling of stock, so that 

 very frequently, especially on new meadows, more is 

 lost in damage to the succeeding crop of hay than is gained 

 from the use of the pasture. . In dry, hot weather, timothy 

 should be cut with rather long stubble to avoid injury to 

 the bulbs. The application of a top dressing of stable 

 manure in the spring or after the hay crop has been removed 

 will greatly increase succeeding crops. Best results will be 

 obtained from the use of this manure if it is scattered evenly 

 over the meadow with a manure spreader. 



390. Making Hay. Timothy hay is most readily eaten 

 by cattle if it is cut when in bloom; horses prefer it if cut a 



