Red Clover 
Red Clover 
(Trifolium pratense) 
Red Clover is grown for both hay and pastur- 
age, also when the roots and stubble are turned 
under for soiling purpose. As a gatherer of ni- 
trogen it is of great value to. land. Soil that 
will produce satisfactory yields of corn are best 
suited for Red Clover; boggy lands sometimes do 
not give good results. When lime is deficient it 
should be supplied. Throughout central Kentucky, 
where stands of Red Clover have not been giv- 
ing satisfaction, Alsike has been sown to advan- 
tage. Red Clover, when sown in the spring, on 
winter grain after the late frosts, will usually 
have a natural covering. When this covering is 
lacking the Clover seed should be sown by drill- 
ing or harrowing in. Many farmers believe in 
two sowings in central Kentucky. This is done 
by sowing one-half the amount of seed in Feb- 
ruary, the balance during the last part of March 
or first of April. It can also be sown in autumn, 
during September, or at any time sufficiently 
early to prevent its being caught by a freeze, or 
in the early spring while the ground is freezing 
or thawing. Sow in the autumn, 10 lbs. to the 
acre; if in the usual way in spring, 8 to 10 
pounds. 
Mammoth Clover 
(Trifolium praten.se) 
Mammoth or Sapling Clover, sometimes called 
Peavine Clover, is a variety of the common Red 
Clover, maturing about ten days later. The larger 
size of Mammoth Clover plants makes it of 
slightly greater value than Red Clover as a soil 
improver; as hay it is somewhat coarser. Sow in 
the same manner as Red Clover. 
White Clover 
(Trifolium repens) 
This variety of Clover is found generally throughout 
the United States. It is hardy, and will grow on nearly 
any soil, but does best on heavy land. Its greatest value 
is for sowing with mixtures for lawns and pastures. The 
blossoms of this Clover are much sought by honey-bees. 
Sow 10 to 12 pounds to the acre. 
Florida Clover or Beggar 
Weed 
(Desmoeium Molle) 
Beggar Weed is especially recommended as forage 
crop and a soil improver for the thin sandy lands and 
pine barrens of the South. Makes a vigorous growth, 2 
to 5 ft. high, makes a large yield of pasturage and hay,' 
nearly equal in nutritive value to cow pea hay. May be 
sown any time after frosts are over until middle of June, 
^ow in drills 3 ft. apart, 3 to 4 pounds to the acre or 
broadcast 10 to 12 pounds per acre. Cover 1 to 2 ins. 
May be cut for hay or green feed when 2 ft. high and 
will produce successive crops branching from roots. 
Alsike 
(Trifolium hybridum) 
This Clover is valuable when sown 
alone, or with Red or Mammoth Clover, 
for hay. Is very hardy, and can be 
sown early in Spring. Seed is small, 
and should not be covered deeply. Be- 
cause of the smallness of the seed, a 
bushel of Alsike will sow more than a 
bushel of Red Clover. Solme sections 
where Red Clover can no longer be 
grown satisfactorily, Alsike is used. Sow 
alone, 6 to 10 lbs. to the acre, orr wheat 
or rye, 4 to 6 lbs. to acre. 
Crimson Clover 
(Trifolium incamatum) 
Farmers all through the middle Atlantic and south- 
central States are increasing the acreage of Crimson 
Clover very materially, as they find it one of the most 
satisfactory of early forage and soil-improving crops. Its 
greatest value is as a soil-improver, practical farmers 
maintaining that a crop of Crimson Clover turned under 
is equal to a good application of stable manure. It 
costs less to seed per acre than any other similar crop; 
and the results in putting the much-needed nitrogen and 
humus into the soil are considered superior even to 
cowpeas, or any other known crop throughout this sec- 
tion. 
The best time for sowing is during August, September 
and October. It should be sown at about the rate of 15 
pounds to the acre. 
Japan Clover 
(Lespedeza striata) 
Japan Clover is a promising crop throughout the mid- 
dle and Southern States. It grows rapidly practically 
anywhere. Once started it soon spreads and makes a 
steady growth of the finest and most nutritious pasturage, 
much relished by all stock. On stony hillsides or waste 
lands it will grow well; also on low or wet lands, in 
combination with Red Top, making excellent grazing for 
this class of land. It is recommended for sowing in 
woods that are used for grazing, as it will do well in 
die shade where other grasses will not. 
It is not advisable to graze Japan Clover too con- 
tinuously for first season, but after that it can be grazed 
at any time. This Clover is not recommended for lands 
that will grow other Clovers or grasses; but for poor, 
wornout soils it will make excellent pasturage and benefit 
the soil. 
Sow 10 pounds to the acre in March or April. It does 
not make much showing the first year. 
Eat less meat. Substitute cow peas. Page 61 . 
44 
