FARM CROPS OF C AX ADA IX 1001 49 



found the greatest diificulty on my own farms in getting clover to take. I want to 

 know the method you pursue in seeding, in order to get a catch ? 



A. We use from ten to twelve pounds of common red clover seed per a<;rc. We 



have tried both these quantities several times and have had good results in all cases. 



. The clover seed is sown with the ordinary seed-drill with the clover seed attachment. 



It is sown with the grain, so there is no additional expense as to labour connected with 



it. 



Q. It is sown with the grain ? 



Q. Yes, and we have never had any trouble in getting a catch of clover at Ottawa 

 in any year. 



Q. It is sown with the grain you say ? 



A. Yes, with the grain. 



Q. In the west we find it almost impossible to get a catch owing to the seed be- 

 coming dry because of the hot weather, which prevents it germinating and sprouting 

 and kills it off. 



A. That is owing to the heat of summer. 



Q. I would not expect sucli a result if the clover is sown with the grain,' and the 

 grain got in early as the ground is then usually quite moist. ! 



By Mi: Heyd : ■ i ^ 



Q. How deep do you sow it ? 



A. It is scattered by the sower on the surface, but the action of the grain-drill 

 partly covers it, but we generally run a roller over the ground and that is usually 

 Buffieient to cover the seed lightly. 



By Mr. Charlton : 



Q. The clover is ploughed down in the first season, is it ? 



A. Yes, in October. I wish it to be understood that I am not discussing this 

 Bubject in connection with fodder for cattle, biit merely the influence of the clover on 

 thfi subsequent crop. I do not say that this is the most scouomieal method of using! 

 the clover ; where a farmer can turn stock" in and feed it off, that is probably the most 

 economical method of using the crop. 



By Mr. Wilson : 



Q. Would it have the same effect ? 



A. Practically the same, because the animals eating that clover off would deposit 

 on the soil fertilizer which would represent the humus and about 80 or 90 per cent 

 of the elements of fertility in the clover. 



Q. But it would not be so evenly distributed ? 



A. No, I think it would not, and that is an important point. 



By Mr. RoUnson {Elgin) : 



Q. That woidd be the second crop ? 



A. No, the first crop. 



Q. Ploughed under in October ? 



A. Yes, in October of the same year. 



Q. Would the seed be in it then ? 



A No the clover about that time in most seasons would be fairly well in flower, 

 b«t no seed would be formed. ,, . , ,x. . .^ , , 



Q Have you tried ploughing down the first growth of the next season ? 



a' Yes in May following, and where the land is to be used for a potato or corn 

 crop we always prefer leaving it in over winter and allowing it to grow until abotit' 

 the 22nd or 24th of May, and then plough it under. That gives an increased quantity 

 of clover and more humus. 



