FORAGE CROPS FOR THE SAND-HILL SECTION OF NEBRASKA. 23 



necessarily be late, and in that case the field would be left without 

 winter protection, which often means disaster. 



SUMMARY. 



The sand-hill section of Nebraska comprises nearly 20,000 square 

 miles, or about one-fourth the total area of the State. 



Stock raising is, and doubtless will continue to be, the main in- 

 dustry of this section. 



Native hay is at present the chief dependence of the stockmen for 

 their winter feed. 



No tame grass has been found which appears more valuable on the 

 loose, sandy ridges than the native vegetation. 



Crops which require clean cultivation should be discontinued as 

 far as possible. 



The most dependable source of livelihood for the small landowner 

 is dairying. 



The clovers are well suited to the wet-valley region, and this divi- 

 sion of the sand hills should become in time one of the important 

 clover-producing sections of the United States. 



The improvement of the native, moist meadowlands by the in- 

 troduction of timothy is advised, but the use of redtop for this pur- 

 pose should be discouraged. 



The growing of sweet clover as a forage crop and in preparing land 

 for alfalfa is recommended. 



Thte most dangerous weed of the wet- valley region is the squirrel- 

 tail grass {Hordeum jubatum), now quite common. 3 



Alfalfa promises to become the most valuable cultivated crop of 

 the sand hills. 



The use of a hardy strain, good judgment in locating the field, 

 inoculation of the soil, and careful attention to the details of seeding 

 are necessary for success with alfalfa. 



Approved : 



James Wilson, 



/Secretary of Agriculture. 



Washington, D. C, June 27, 1911. 



[Cir. 80] 



O 



