Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1886 [PAGE 211]

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warmed. We have liked the hay well for both cows and calves, and have seen no ill effects when fed to horses, although this has not been done to any considerable extent. The Clovers are of inestimable value to us. Exceedingly nutritious and very fairly palatable both for grazing and for hay, if the latter be well cared for, they yield largely and stand far ahead of any other of our farm crops in their value for green manuring. For Central Illinois we prefer the common or medium Eed clover to the large or Giant variety. This latter has the advantage of being in condition to harvest about the same time with Timothy and gives a much larger yield—the stalk being too coarse to be desirable for v food. The Alsike clover is a medium in almost every respect between the Eed and White clovers. Perennial and probably less liable to winter-kill, certainly equally palatable and nutritious, it is preferred by some who have tried it, notwithstanding its somewha lighter yield. White clover is not often sown, but is, fortunately, indigenous to our soils. Valueless for hay, it is an addition of great value to any pasture. The great difference of apparent plentifulness of White clover in our pastures is a most interesting feature, not always very explainable. Almost endless varieties of grasses might be given. Doubtless there are many well worthy of trial, but we are fortunate in having in common use those probably unsurpassed. It is advised that trial be made of little-known varieties but not to the rejection of the well tested ones. Were Timothy, Bluegrass and the clovers now first introduced, we can scarcely conceive of the possibility of exaggerating the great addition they would make to any list of grasses otherwise available.

CULTURE.

The soil and climate of much of Illinois and the west generally is remarkably adapted to grasses. Grasses produced on good soil are, generally, not only more abundant in yield, but better—more digestible and nutritious than those grown on poor lands. Those grown on naturally fertile soil are usually better than those on poor lands highly manured. Given pure and good seed—and too little attention is given to tests of our grass seed—and a fairly favorable season, and there is not much danger of failure with either grass or clover. I count it most profitable to sow in connection with a small-grain crop, rye being quite the best and oats poorest for this purpose. Early fall sowing of timothy is preferable, although very early spring sowing is often as safe. Clover always to be sown then. Late spring sowing may do well, but there is much risk. All grass and clover seeds are small and should be kept near the surface, but slight covering is a great help. The roller or "smoother" may do this; the frost partially. The mixture of a large number of varieties has not been enough tried to fully decide its desirability. For Central Illinois, we will probably continue to make Timothy and Eed clover the main seeds,