ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN S ASSOCIATION. 21 



Trifutim incarnation, or crimson clover, — I am not entirely sat- 

 isfied what the .result of experiments with this clover will be, as it 

 will require another season to determine its value. The value of the 

 common red clover is too well known to retain it, except it can be 

 cultivated so that it will produce a fibrous root. This result is pro- 

 duced with this system of surface-culture by sowing seed on cultivated 

 sod land. This is the reason why this clover so long retains its strong 

 vitality. I have examined this clover that the seed was sown ten 

 years ago. This clover will grow a root in proportion to the condition 

 of the soil. If the soil is pulverized very fine and deep, it will grow 

 a very long, deep root. I do not sow any grass seed with the cereal 

 grains. I highly cultivate the stubble land if the crop has been 

 secured. Sow the combination of grass seed from the 15th of August 

 until the 15th of September, excepting clover ; leave that to be sown 

 the following spring. I have seeded stubble land by this system and 

 cut two tons of hay per acre from it next season. The principal cause 

 of losing young seeding when sown with spring grain is, that it is too 

 tender to withstand the scorching effect of the hot sun when the 

 grain is removed ; also the soil is in a very porous condition, as the 

 following experiment has demonstrated, to-wit : When the thermom- 

 eter indicated 70° atmospheric heat, in clay soil it would indicate 

 130°, sandy soils 107°, alluvial or black soils 110°. In highly fertilized 

 soils the degree of heat is still higher. Again, I find the degree of 

 heat varies in proportion to the drainage of the soils. On the lowest 

 or cold lands, and on those aff'ected by cold spring water, the vegeta- 

 tion is the latest in growing. Hence, this experiment demonstrates 

 two potent facts, to-wit : 1st, The absolute necessity for good drain- 

 age. 2d, The lowland is the most natural soil for the production of 

 grass. Also we have the varieties adapted to these soils, which are 

 giving the very best satisfaction to all the parties that are engaged in 

 the improvement of this class of soils. 



In relation to the condition of the lands we are engaged in cul- 

 tivating, I say that we are prepared to improve all classes of land, 

 from the very rough to the very smooth surface, even the willow- 

 growing land, at a cost less than to subdue them by the system of 

 plowing. Also, we have in our collection eighteen diff'erent varieties 

 of grass- seed ; therefore we are prepared to give formulas of the 

 combinations of grass seeds to suit all conditions and varieties of soil, 

 as we have thoroughly tested these grasses and know their value in 

 comparative and relative forms. 



