98 THE APPLE 



The crops used for shade purposes are principally legumes, such 

 as alfalfa, red clover, alsike clover, crimson clover ; peas and vetches 

 are also sometimes used. There are several methods of handling 

 shade crops. One method is to grow the crops for perhaps two 

 years, then plow the ground and keep it in clean tillage for at 

 least a year, when it is reseeded to a shade crop. Another method 

 is to cut one crop, which is sometimes put in the barn for fodder, 

 but to allow the second to go to seed, this new seed giving a 

 splendid growth after the land has been disked early in the spring. 

 This system of reseeding is commonly practiced with the crimson 

 and red clovers. Another method is to mow the crop frequently 

 with the mowing machine and allow it to mat down and decay on 

 the ground. Which system is the best will depend on climatic 

 and soil conditions. The age of the orchard, the type of trees, etc. 

 may also influence the choice of method. The time of planting 

 the shade crop will depend largely on local conditions. In some 

 sections seed can be sown in the early spring, from March to 

 May ; in other regions July is a better time to seed. 



A word of caution is necessary where shade crops are to be used. 

 Watch your soil very carefully, and investigate its moisture content 

 thoroughly. If the soil becomes very dry the orchard may be 

 injured. When irrigating, be sure to allow enough water for 

 thorough, deep work. 



