FARM SEEDS 



Becker t's Seed Store, 101 and 103 Federal St., N. S., Pittsburgh, Pa. 



Valuable Soiling- Crop and Soil- 

 Enrichers 



Secure greater yields by using 

 Green Crops instead of Manure 



The use of leguminous or nitrogen-gathering for- 

 age plants as a means to replenish soil lertilit\ has 

 increased by leaps and bounds. There are weighty 

 reasons for this. One in particular is that grccn- 

 manuring crops increase the moisture-holding capa- 

 city of soils, and lighten heavy clay soils, as explained 

 by the United States Department of Agriculture. 

 The New Jersey Experiment Station calculates that 

 two crops of green manure contain as much phos- 

 phoric acid and potash and nearly as much nitrogen 

 and organic matter as 20 tons of stable manure. Al- 

 though the potash and phosphoric acid are not 

 added to the soil, they are returned in quickly avail- 

 able form. 



If the green manure used is a legume, nitrogen is 

 added to that already in the soil. Moreover, it is 

 expensive to handle the stable refuse, while the green- 

 manuring crop can be grown directly on the im- 

 poverished land and be plowed under when it has 

 attained the proper growth. 



Lasting Effects of Green-Manure 

 Crops. One of their Most Val- 

 uable Characteristics 



The etlect of a green-manure crop of cow peas is 

 evident lor two or more years alter the crop has been 

 turned under, according to the results of experiments 

 conducted in Alabama. I he Canada Experiment 

 Farm, at Ottawa, ascertained that the effect of a 

 turned-undcr crop of red clover was still strongly 

 evident after the third year. 



A green-manuring crop should be turned under at 

 least two weeks before the next crop is planted. In 

 plowing down the catch-crop, the furrow slive should 

 be laid slanting, at an angle of 30 to 40 degrees with 

 the horizontal. Directly after plowing, the field 

 should be rolled thoroughly, as this hastens decay 

 and prevents the drying out of the soil. A liberal 

 application of lime or land plaster is recommended 

 after plowing down crops making a heavy leaf- 

 growth. 



The principal green-manuring crops now in ex- 

 tensive use are listed below and on page 34. 



Soy Beans 



The Most Important Forage Crops (Legumes) 



For Inoculating Clover and Legumes, see Farmogerm, page 34 



Soy Beans. The rapid rise of the Soy Bean to a position of prom- 

 inence in American agriculture is due to its manifold merits. Soy 

 Beans not only make excellent hay but are one of the best green crops 

 to plow under as a soil-enricher. The seed of Soy Beans analyzes 

 higher nutritive values than 'inseed meal. While the plant perfects 

 a fine amount of herbage and bears grain containing the highest per 

 cent of protein and fat of any grain produced in the country, the roots 

 are busy storing nitrogen in the soil, leaving same in better condition 

 after the crop is harvested than it was before. The varieties grown 

 most are Medium Green, Early Soja, and Ito San. Write us for 

 prices and samples. 



Cowpeas. Valuable as either a soiling-crop, or for hay. Asasoiling- 

 crop, they do not come up to soy beans in nitrogen content, but as a 

 hay plant, and as a crop for feeding right off the field, they are of 

 particular merit, especially in the South. Varieties: Whippoorwill 

 and Clay are the most popular. Prices on request. 



Canada Field Peas. Perhaps the best forage plant for very early 

 spring. For best results it should be sown as soon as you can get it in 



Clovers 



(Highest Grade Seed Only) 



Alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Stacks of 

 books have been written setting forth 

 the merits of this wonderful forage plant, 

 the introduction of w hich into our own 

 corn-belt has added untold millions to 

 the wealth of our farmers. It seems as 

 though Alfalfa will grow on any well- 

 drained soil. It is particularly adapted to 

 uplands and soils containing an abund- 

 ance of lime. As a soil-enricher, Alfalfa 

 has few equals. It roots very deeply. All 

 along its roots are the valuable nitrogen 

 nodules. After a field has been in Alfalfa 

 for several years, it is in better shape 

 than it can ever be put by using tons and 

 tons of manure during the same period. 

 Grow more Alfalfa. We carry the highest 

 grade northern-grown seed only. 35 cts. 

 per lb. Larger quantities at market 

 prices, for which please write. 



Crimson Clover (TrijnVium incarna- 

 tum). A great soil-enricher, producing 

 wonderful crops of delicate herbage that 

 is greedily eaten by all live-stock. Also 

 a great plant for bees. Lb. 30 cts. 

 Larger quantities at market price. 



the ground — in our section, probably in March. Canada Field Peas 

 absolutely need cool, moist weather for best development. As a rule, 

 it is planted with oats, and sometimes with Spring Vetch or Dwarf 

 Essex Rape. Crop is generally ready for pasture about the middle of 

 May. Used with oats, sow a bushel each of oats and Field Peas per 

 acre. Prices on request. 



Vetches. As a soiling-crop, to make poor soil better, these have few 

 equals. Plants make a luxuriant growth and, for best results, should 

 be planted with rye or soy beans. May also be broadcasted in the 

 cornfield. 



Sand, Hairy, or Winter Vetch. Generally planted in early fall 

 or late summer, to afford pasture the following spring. It is perfectly 

 hardy and makes a big mass of herbage by middle of May, from seeds 

 sown the previous fall. One of the greatest soiling-crops to build up 

 thin or run-down land. Write for prices. 



Spring Vetch (Vicia sativa). Very similar to Hairy Vetch in gen- 

 eral appearance but not so large nor so hardy. Sown in the spring oniy. 

 Write for prices. 



Clovers, continued 



Alsike (Trifolium bybridum). Fine for 

 pasturage or for ensilage. Lb. 40 cts., 

 bus. of 60 lbs., market price. 



Bokhara Sweet Clover (Melilotus 

 alba). Very valuable for soiling. Grows 

 to a height of 3}^ to 5 feet. Grown on 

 rich soil, it can be cut as many as three 

 times a season. Good for ensilage and 

 bees. Will last two years if cut before it 

 blooms. Lb. 35 cts., 25 to 100 lbs., 

 market price. 



Medium Red (Trifolium pratense). 

 This is the well-known Red Clover of our 

 farms. Every farmer knows the value of 

 good Clover hay, and besides bearing 

 wonderful crops on top of the soil, the 

 roots are constantly at work enriching 

 the soil with nitrogen. Every farmer 

 should have either an alfalfa or Clover 

 field — better still, both. Write for 

 market prices and samples. 



Mammoth Red (Trijolium pratense 

 perenne). Best grade. Bus. of 60 lbs., 

 market price. 



White Dutch (Trijolium repens). 

 Very scarce. The best variety for lawns, 

 as it forms a close herbage and remains 

 green throughout the season. Fancy 

 Grade. Ib. 65 cts., 10 lbs. $6.30. 



35 



