The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-07-22

Southern Stock Farmer; 1t is always best
done. rather than wait until the time has
passed; and then say what ought to have
been done.
So 1 shall take Time by the fore-lock
and note a few of the advantages Of this
most excellent crop. and give my ideas as
to when and how 1t should be planted,
harvested, etc, in the Atlantic States
1t should be planted in the Middle and
Southern States in August and September,
Some advise sowing the seed in between
the cotton and corn rows, during these
months and not covering the seed; claim
ing that the rain will sufficiently cover.
Now this may do in some sections, but can
not be relied on in all cases.
l can we'll see that such would be suf-
ficient in a very light and sandy soil, but
even then the young shallow rooted plant
would be liable TO be burned out by our
fall drouths.
Now If it is desired to sow the seed in a
crop already on the ground; then 1 would
advise running a eultivator through the
crop, and following with the seed; and
then run fine tooth-harrow to cover with.
Anything to cover lightly, as the seeds
will not terminate if planted too deep.
Now, If the crop is to be put on land
say break up the land deep with a two
horse pillow, harrow thoroughly and run
drag or roller after the harrow to be
sure the c1ods are pulverized and the
land is leveled.
Then SOW the clover seed ana cover 1t
with a Thomas smoothing harrow. The
object in running the harrow after the
seeds are sown. is to cover them lightly
and TO keep the land from baking, as
the harrow leaves a light layer of loose
soil on the surface which acts as a
mulch.
Now as to fertilizers to be used and
when to apply.
We all know that crimson clover is a
rich nitrogen feeder, hence l would adj
wise only the use of the acid phosphate
and kainit.. Let the farmers supply plen-
ty of these two elements, and the crop
will get up the balance.
In other words. I consider crimson
clover a renovator as well as a feed
stuff Put on from 400 pounds to 800
pounds of these elements mixed in the
proportions Of one part kainit to two
of acid phosphate.
would apply broadcast just ahead of
the first narrowing in the preparation of
the soil.
This crop will prevent teaching during
the winter and can be lightly grazed by
calves and colts in the early spring.
II 1t is desired to save the crop for hay,
cut Just about the time 1t is in full bloom,
or when the first blooms turn brown. Just
at this stage the crop will contain more
digestible matter than at any other. La
ter on it has too much woody fibre II seed
are to be saved, the crop should stand
few days longer.
In either case it comes off early enough
to allow must any of our spring crops to
be planted on the land, such as cotton,
corn, potatoes, tobacco. melons, etc.
Enough plant food will be left in the soil
in the way of roots and stubble to compen-
safe for all the labor and fertilizers APP
piled the previous fall, to say nothing of
the protection to the soil from teaching
and being washed away by winter rains.
Hence the clover crop harvested as hay is
just so much clear gain. Not only will
the soil be benefited in having a large
amount of available nitrogen, potash and
phosphorus left for the succeeding crop,
but the organic matter is very beneficial.
Doing as much good in that way as sew
eral loads of barn yard manure.
There is economy in letting nature sup
ply nitrogen and If we can get off with
buying only the two less expensive ele-
ments, we may consider ourselves fortu-
nate.
The quotations for available potash and
phosphoric acid this year are only and
Az cents per pound respectively.
From this it can readily be seen that
fertilizers can be supplied to any of our
marketable crops, more economically in
this than in any other way.