218 FORAGE CROPS 
If the oats lodge, cut them for hay the next day. 
Oat hay is a good thing to have, if it is properly 
cured. When barley seed is not available, oats 
may be used with good results, if care is taken 
to mow on time. 
After the nurse-crop is cut away, let the alfalfa 
alone. It will start into growth promptly, and 
if the soil is fertile and well inoculated, the crop 
will make rapid growth for a time, usually for 
about fifty days. As long as it continues to grow 
thriftily, do not cut. If a rust appears, it should 
be clipped close, which will check or destroy the 
disease. 
Unless seeded, early alfalfa ordinarily will not 
make sufficient growth before midsummer to with- 
stand the weeds and drought. Where the winters 
are not too severe, the trouble with weeds may be 
avoided by seeding the last of August or alter 
danger of crab-grass is passed; when seeded at 
this season the weeds are not likely to take posses- 
sion during the fall and sufficient growth will be 
made to enable the plants to withstand the winter. 
The crop from late summer seeding should not be 
eut the first fall, even though a considerable stand 
is secured, but left as a protection in winter. 
There will be no danger of smothering, as the 
plants will usually stand erect rather than go down. 
Care should be taken that the seed is not put 
in too deep—this is very important and is often 
