B. P. I.— 215. 



FARM PRACTICE WITH FORAGE CROPS IN 



WESTERN OREGON AND WESTERN 



WASHINGTON. 



INTRODUCTION. 



Although the average methods in farm practice in any region are 

 usually far below the highest possibilities, men are to be found here 

 and there who have worked out the problems of crop production and 

 utilization in a satisfactory manner and who stand out as the most 

 successful farmers in their respective communities. By studying the 

 methods of a large number of such men it is possible to acquire a 

 large amount of valuable information that would require years of 

 patient labor to glean from personal experience. During the three 

 years the writer has had charge of forage plant investigations in 

 the Pacific Northwest, considerable time has been spent in the Wil- 

 lamette Valley and the region of Puget Sound studying the methods 

 of the farmers most successful in growing and handling forage crops. 

 In addition to the information obtained in this detailed study, much 

 has been gleaned during thirty years' residence in the Pacific North- 

 west, including nine years' residence in the Willamette Valley. This 

 bulletin is a result of this study, and the material herein contained, 

 except as noted in the text, is based almost entirely upon the infor- 

 mation obtained in this manner. 



For the benefit of the readers of this bulletin not familiar with the 

 condition under which the crops discussed are grown a brief descrip- 

 tion of the region is given. Although much has been published 

 regarding the superiority of legumes over other plants as soil reno- 

 vators and food for farm animals, there are many into whose hands 

 this bulletin is likely to fall who do not understand the importance 

 of this group of plants. For this reason a paragraph is given upon 

 the nature of these plants and the methods of their inoculation. 

 For similar reasons the principles underlying haymaking and the 



use of hay caps are discussed. 



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94 



