974 FORAGE CROPS 
was seeded alone, especially on the poorer lands, 
the custom being simply to harrow the land and 
broadeast about twelve pounds of seed per acre, 
without covering. The seed should not be sown 
until all danger of freezing is past, as the young 
plants are tender and will be destroyed by a light 
frost. Where its advantages as a forage plant are 
appreciated, it is now often made a part of a mix- 
ture with grass, and four to five pounds of seed 
are used per acre. 
On good land and well cared for, Japan clover 
will reach a height of two feet or more, and can 
be readily used.for soiling or for hay. It is ready 
for use about the middle of June as far north as 
Virginia, and earlier in the more southern states, 
and makes good pasture as late as November. As 
with white clover, it should be kept pastured 
closely for best results, and when so managed is 
relished by all grazing stock. 
When grown for hay, the common practice is 
not to cut until some of the seeds on the lower 
part of the plant are ripe, which permits it to 
reseed. While more easily cured than the red 
clover, it should be handled in practically the same 
way in order to prevent losses of leaves, which are 
richer in protein than the stems. As a soil reno- 
vator alone, it is well worthy greater attention 
than is now given it, though valuable, also, as 
pasture, hay and seed crop. 
