120 DESCRIPTION OF FEEDING STUFFS 
the time of blossoming. This clover is best adapted to the climate 
of the south Atlantic States, and has been especially recommended 
by the New Jersey and Delaware experiment stations. 
Japan clover (Lespedeza striata) is a southern forage plant of 
special value for pasture; it also furnishes a good quality of hay 
if cut when in full bloom. It will yield one to three tons of hay 
per acre on good land, of a quality that is considered equal to the 
best clover hay. According to Tracy, Japan clover, with cotton seed 
as grain feed, is the cheapest milk-producing ration in many sections 
Fic. 18.—Crimson clover. (‘‘Productive Farming,"’ Davis.) 
in the South. It is of great value to southern agriculture as a soil- 
renovator, increasing the nitrogen content and improving the com- 
position and texture of soils that are largely unproductive, so that 
they will grow other crops. It affords valuable pasturage for cattle, 
horses, sheep, and hogs, though the animals must be accustomed to 
it in order to relish it. It is considered by some authorities the 
best pasture plant for the poorer clay soils of the cotton belt. It 
does not differ greatly in composition from red clover, the hay 
being somewhat lower in ash and fiber and higher in nitrogen-free 
extract than red clover hay.** 
" Farmers’ Bulletin 441. 
