(46) 



exhaust the soil, each of them in its own way, of the condi- 

 tions for their reproduction." 



A field, then, which produces more kindly after rotation, 

 is not necessarily more fertile, but is in better physical con- 

 dition. It has already been mentioned, that the mechanical 

 effects of clover upon soils is not the least among its valua- 

 ble properties. The reaction rendered possible by the pen- 

 etration into the soil of the long tap roots, and the efiFeet of 

 the dense shade upon the land hav£ a tendency to increase 

 the productiveness, but may not add to the fertility of the 

 soil. 



Guano is found, on clayey soils, to largely increase the 

 growth of clover. When used on a wheat field seeded to 

 clover in early spring, a " catch " of clover will be secured 

 on the thinnest spots, and grow luxuriantly. The greatest 

 benefits from an application of guano upon wheat are often 

 obtained in this way. A good stand of clover, however 

 secured, is the best possible j)reparation of land for a suc- 

 ceeding crop of wheat. And this arises, not only from the 

 available nitrogen which a clover crop supplies, but from 

 the deep and thorough subsoiling which is effected by the 

 deep, penetrating tap-roots ot the clover. They often de- 

 scend to the depth of four feet in search of food, while its 

 broad leaves " absorb carbon from the atmosphere, chang- 

 ing it into solid matter, causing elements in the soil to as- 

 sume organic forms, rendering them more available as 

 food for other crops." If the soil be robbed of its fertility, 

 the deficient elements must be added before clover will 

 " take." 



The best method of pasturing is to wait until about the 

 last of May, when the clover is in bloom, then turn on stock 

 and pasture during the months of June and July, alternating 

 every two weeks with other clover fields, if possible, aud 

 turning off the stock the first of August, and allowing the 

 second crop to come forward for seed. 



