CHAPTER XVII 
PERMANENT MEADOWS AND PASTURES 
THE raising of hay forms a very important part 
of the farming interests of the eastern and central 
western states. The aggregate area in hay is 
greater than in any other crop. While in parts of 
the eastern states the hay crop is deemed worthy 
of the best attention of the farmer, this is the ex- 
ception rather than the rule; therefore, while there 
may be profit from its growth, the yield and value 
are much less than should be secured were the 
crop given the same attention as the other crops 
in the rotation. In most instances, the hay is 
seeded rather as a catch-crop with wheat, rye or 
oats, and, while good catches are frequently se- 
cured, more often the stand is thin, thus reducing 
the yield, besides permitting the growth of natural 
grasses and weeds, and very materially reducing 
the quality of the product. Modern conditions 
would seem to warrant greater attention being 
given to this crop, and experiments show clearly 
that the hay crop will respond quite as profitably 
to good care, and the use of manures and fertili- 
zers, as any other field crop. 
(311) 
