The Ocala banner., 1920-08-20

the same from either fertllIZeT, II Will
be wise TO use the soda in preference
to the meal so long as there is such a
great difference in the price.
Also, it will be we'll to prolong the
cultivation of the cane just as long as
it is possible to go through the mid
dies. Extreme care, though, should
be used to cultivate very shallow and
not disturb the roots. 1t pays to keep
the weeds and grass out of the cane
and to keep the soil stirred on top
just as long as the cane continues to
grow, or as long as it is possible to
get between the rows with team.
On the lime soils of the county
sweet clover (meli1otus) should prove
an important hay and pasture crop.
1t is a close relative of alfalfa and
will grow luxuriantly on soils too
poor and otherwise unsuited for alfal-
ia. If cut when coming into bloom,
the hay can hardly be distinguished
from alfMfa, and it will give several
cuttings in a season. 1t is one of the
best pasture plants for hill lands be-
cause of it's extensive and deep grow
ing root system and because of its
ability to grow on soils unsuitable for
the best known. In the South 1t will
grow both during winter and summer
and furnish grazing the entire year.
Once a field is seeded, it will continue
to produce annually if undisturbed.
Seed should be sown in October and
November at the rate of 10 to Is
pounds per acre; the smaller amount
for pasture and the largest amount
for hay. We shall be glad to assist
any one in trying out this plant and
hone a few farmers will be interested
enough to put in small planting. All
that we need to make Florida the
greatest cattle section of the country
is a good winter grass, or plant. 1t
NAV be that sweet clover will serve
this purpose in Marion county.
Also. we believe that the little
white clover will prove a success on
much Of the land of the county. 1t
is a lover of lime and can bee seen
now growing splendidly in many va
cant places around Ocala and along
the roads where there is plenty of lime
in the soil 1t has a preference,
though, for rich and damp soils and on
the heavy hammock lands would no
doubt do well if raw lime were ap
piled where no lime rock is present.
This clover seldom grows high enough
for hay, but makes good important
feed element protein, which is def
cient in our oats and rye pastures.
Either as a crop alone, or with cats
and rye, we think it worth a trial
BY itself, ten pounds of seed will bt
needed, but with other pasture crops
two to five pounds will be sufficient.
Plant in October and November.
VIM. A. SESSIONS, County Agent.
Crop Report
Mr.. S. T. Fleming, field agent of the
Agricultural Department of Florida,
with headquarters at Gainesville.
sends out the following report of the
condition of crops up to present time:
Crop prospects show general i'm
provement over month ago.
The condition of most of Florida's
field crops has advanced steadily dur.
ing the past thirty days and prospects
OF good. and even excellent, yields are
in sight for some Of them.
The corn crop especially has de.
VeIoped in most satisfactory man
ner. A month ago ears were forming
on small undeveloped stalks and pros
poets were far from good. The favor.
able weather of July has resulted to
be well above average condition.
Hay, peanuts, sweet potatoes, tobac.
co, velvet beans and sugar cane haae
improved during the month; field peas
show no change from last month
and rice and pasture have deteriated
slightly in condition.
The condition OF citrus fruits con.
tinues excellent, with prospects OF
heavy production for oranges. The
+ grapefruit crop will be light but oi
/ fine grade.
/ Crops in Other States
! The reports Of bumper crops given
out by the Government Crop Estimate