38 



ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 



purple in color, and grows in racemes which stand above the foliage so 

 that a field of it in bloom presents a solid purple surface to view, which is 

 maintained for a week or longer. 



It makes a hay rich v in protein, but as it lies on the ground much is 

 damaged. Best results for hay will be obtained by sowing it in the fall 

 with rye. 



The rye is a good support, and both mature about the same time. Iz. 

 is claimed by some that wheat is better than rye for this purpose on ac- 

 count of the straw being not quite so stiff, and the wheat having a little 

 longer season, gives the vetch a hance to grow more; but it seems to me 

 that the vetch will be apt to overgrow the wheat and cause it to lodge, 

 but either plan will make a hay rich in protein. 



There is much to learn of the different leguminous plants regarding 

 their growth and feeding values. The great diversity of the soil and cli- 

 mate of our state is such that we must not jump at conclusions from fa- 

 vorable or unfavorable reports; from any one section. Even results from 

 adjoining farms are often conflicting. 



It would be well to experiment for a series of years in a small way 

 with a number of these crops. They cover cuch a wide range of condi- 

 tions, and their uses are so varied, that they possess an important place 

 in our agricultural interests. 



For early spring planting, the Canada peas are a valuable feed when 

 grown with oats or barley; their growth is suited to the cooler months. 



The Soy bean and cow pea lequire the hot summer months for their 

 best development. The vetch does best sewn in the fall. With me. it 

 will stand as much unfavorable weather conditions as rye. This is the 

 fourth winter I have had it growing, and it has not been killed by cold.. 

 I think it one of the most promising leguminous crops we have. 



As to feeding the grain of the Soy bean, the little I have used in that 

 way has been fed whole with other grains to horses and cows; ,to sheep 

 and hogs I have fed it alone. 



For milch cows, it is recommended to have it ground and mixed woth 

 other feeds, or it can be fed in the pod, in which shape the cattle will eat 



