Write for prices on vetches and field peas for quantities larger than quoted in this catalog. At the time our fall catalog goes to press 
prices on these two items are not well established. Always being able to quote the lowest current market prices, we should be most 
appreciative of your inquiry at time of desired purchase so that w© may take core of any price fluctuations. Prices quoted are postpaid 
to the fourth zone. 
THE USE OF COVER OR GREEN MANURE CROPS YEARLY INCREASING IN CALIFORNIA 
Farmers over the entire state, through their own experiences and ment and maintenance of soil fertility. Their use is becoming more 
in compliance with the national soil conservation program, are con- extensive each year. Consider the benefits of these crops and there- 
vinced of the value of cover or green manure crops for the improve- by convince yourself of making heavier plantings this fall. 
COVER OR GREEN MANURE CROPS WILL: 
1. Protect the soil from surface erosion. 
2. Prevent loss of essential plant elements being leached from the 
soil during the winter period. 
3. Improve the structure and water holding capacity of the soil. 
4. Increase the all-important nitrogen content of the soil if the cover 
crop used is some type of legume. 
5. Supply organic matter to the soil, which on decomposing releases 
plant food, and indirectly increases the availability of other plant 
nutrients already present in the soil. 
6. Improve the humus content of the soil. 
7. Increase the yield and quality of the succeeding crops. 
Vetches and Field Peas for Fall and Winter Planting 
Unsurpassed for Hoy, Pasture, and Soil Improvement. 
While alfalfa constitutes the principal hay and forage crop of 
California, there are many sections, due to their unfavorable 
climatic, soil, or moisture conditions, which are wholly unsuited 
to this crop. Even in alfalfa localities the pernicious bacterial 
wilt disease, or water shortages, are making this crop no longer 
profitable. 
There has been a great need for good hay and pasture crops 
in such regions, and the vetches and field peas have been meet¬ 
ing this need admirably. Varieties of these crops do well on a 
wide range of soil conditions, and require little or no irrigation 
for their entire development. Also, withstand adverse weather 
conditions such as low temperatures, etc., and have proven of 
extremely high feeding value for livestock. For their best develop¬ 
ment they should be sown in fall or early winter and harvested 
in late spring for all require a cool moist growing condition as is 
afforded them during our fall, winter and spring months. 
Most of these crops, owing to their habit of growth, do best 
when sown with oats, rye, or barley. One of the best and most 
widely used combinations is Vetch, or Austrian Winter Peas, 
with Kanota Oats. Both the legume and the cereal reach the 
ideal stage of maturity for hay purposes simultaneously. Vetch 
is best for hay when cut in full bloom. 
The use of Vetch and Field Peas for soil improvement as cover 
crops is widely practiced and increasing at a tremendous rate in 
our state. Improved soil conditions with a consequent reduction 
in tractor fuel required for soil preparation, large increase in 
yields, etc., following these legumes is bringing about almost 
fabulous results in all sections. 
COMMON VETCH (Vicia sativa) 
Likewise, called Oregon and Spring Vetch. The most com¬ 
monly used and best known variety in the state. Succeeds best 
in our own interior valley and foothill regions where it is adapted 
to a wide range of soil conditions as long as adequate drainage 
is provided, and withstands low winter temperatures. In this 
latter respect it is hardier than Purple Vetch. If planted with 
oats, rye, or barley, can be pastured in late winter and early 
spring, and by removing livestock in March, will also produce 
a good hay crop in May or June. 1 lb. 25c; 10 lbs. $2.00. 
PURPLE VETCH (Vicia otropurpurea) 
Succeds under normal conditions in our interior valley sec¬ 
tions, but better adapted and the most dependable variety for all 
coastal regions. In such regions it produces larger yields than 
the Common Vetch. Likewise, makes more growth during the 
cool weather of winter than any other. However, less winter- 
hardy than the Common or Hairy types. Very palatable for live¬ 
stock of all kinds, either as a pasture or hay, and of extremely 
high feeding value. 1 lb. 25c; 10 lbs. $2.00. 
HAIRY VETCH (Vicia vUIosa) 
Also called Winter Vetch, Siberian Vetch, etc. An extremely 
hardy vetch being adapted to many adverse conditions. While 
it will do well on most types of soil, if there is good drainage, 
particularly adopted to sandy or sandy loam soils, making satis¬ 
factory yields on such soil types where other varieties fail. Very 
winter-hardy, rarely if ever being winter-killed. In addition, 
possesses the advantage of being drought-resistant, and more 
alkali tolerant than other varieties. Its chief disadvantage lies in 
the fact that it makes little vegetative growth during the winter 
months. Hence, of little value for winter pasture. During this 
time, however, tremendous root development is made, account¬ 
ing for its drought-resistance. Plants grow very rapidly with the 
coming of spring weather. 1 lb. 25c; 10 lbs. $2.00. 
AUSTRIAN WINTER PEA (Pisum arvense) 
The most winter hardy of all varieties of field peas. Prefers 
clay or clay loams, but will succeed on most types of soil pro¬ 
viding drainage is adequate. Especially adapted to the interior 
valley and foothill sections. Being very viny with small weak 
stems, does well in combination with oats, rye, or barley which 
act as a supporting crop. While growth is slow during the cold 
winter months, a very rapid growth is made in warmer spring 
weather. The most promising variety of field pea for hay produc¬ 
tion in California. Likewise, excellent for pasture and cover crop 
purposes. 1 Ib. 25c; 10 lbs. $2.00. 
CANADIAN FIELD PEAS 
Another variety of Pisum arvense suitable for the same soil 
and climatic conditions as Austrian Winter Peas. Less winter 
hardy, however, than the latter. The main advantage of this 
variety over the Austrian Winter Pea is its better growth during 
fall and winter months and its earlier maturity in spring. How¬ 
ever, due to the short thick stems, and early maturing seed pods 
it is very difficult to cure as a hay crop. For this reason, best 
used as either a spring pasture crop, especially for hogs, or an 
early maturing cover crop for soil improvement where early 
spring planting is required of the crop to follow. 1 lb. 25c; 
10 lbs. $2.00. 
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