254 CLOVERS 



composed of minute and rather stiff hairs, and sev- 

 eral have been found in one animal. These hairs, 

 numerous on the heads, do not stiffen sooner than 

 the period of full bloom; hence, until that stage is 

 reached in the growth of the plants, the danger from 

 feeding cured hay made from them does not occur. 



In New Jersey and the neighboring States, crim- 

 son clover is ready for being cut sometimes in May 

 earlier or later, as the season is early or late. Fur- 

 ther South it is fit to harvest earlier. At that sea- 

 son it is not easily cured, since then rains are more 

 frequent than in the ordinary harvest season and the 

 weather is less drying. Consequently, hay caps may 

 frequently be used with much advantage by the 

 growers of this hay. (See page 98.) 



It is harvested as other clover; that is, it is cut 

 with the field mower, raked when wilted, put up 

 into cocks, and left to stand in these until it has 

 gone through the sweating process, when the cocks 

 are opened out again on a bright day for a few 

 hours prior to drawing them. The tedder should be 

 used freely in getting the hay ready to rake, as at 

 that season of the year it dries slowly. 



Securing Seed. — Crimson clover does not ripen 

 quite so quickly after flowering as common red clo- 

 ver, owing, in part, at least, to the less intense char- 

 acter of the heat and drying influences at the sea- 

 son when it matures. Nevertheless, when it is ripe, 

 unless it is cut with much promptness, the seed will 

 shed much from the heads, and the heads will break 

 off much during the curing process. If cut even two 

 or three days too soon, the seeds will not be large 



