246 FORAGE CROPS 
as usually cut, will be required to furnish the same 
amount of total nutritive matter. 
Crimson clover is an exceedingly palatable for- 
age, and serves good purpose for soiling, for hay, 
or for pasturage. The composition at different 
periods of growth is shown in the following tabu- 
lation: 
CoMPOSITION OF CRIMSON CLOVER 
May 12, May 24, May 31, 
Pounds per hundred of before blossoming in blossom mature 
Water ca. ea 6 ea x 89.17 84.23 83.26 
Dry matter. ...... 10.83 15.77 16.74 
Crude fat. ....... 0.43 0.53 0.53 
Crude fiber... .... 1.78 4.37 4.78 
Crude ash ....... 1.21 1.31 1.47 
Crude protein ..... 2.53 3.00 2.95 
Nitrogen-free extract .. 4,90 6.57 7.01 
Albuminoid protein . . . 1.80 2.09 2.13 
The samples taken on May 12, before bloom- 
ing, show a high content of water. The samples 
representing full bloom, on May 24, and the fully 
matured plant, on May 31, show a much higher 
content of dry matter, although still much less 
than is contained in other green forage crops. 
The samples at this time also show a much higher 
percentage of crude fiber than on the earlier dates. 
In the earlier stages of growth, crimson clover 
is too watery to give the best satisfaction as an 
exclusive feed, although in actual practice the for- 
age would be much drier than is indicated by the 
analyses. 
