B 185 D5 opy 1 T FAR M SEEDS ^^^^11 [ , ,A^^,l'/ 7 COMPLIMENTS OF THE ALBERT DICKINSON CO. CHICAGO ' MINNEAPOLIS 01 fi S Ph . t- 2 1^ ::: ?? «i I ^ S ^ i - ft ' HgrtiS^.S^.Sh2aft5)SS The ALBERT DICKINSON CO. CHICAGO MINNEAPOLIS Established 1855 BRANCH OFFICES DETROIT :: BUFFALO :: BOSTON BINGHAMTON :: BALTIMORE ^K Copyrighted 1916 The Albert Dickinson Company- Established 1855 Chicago — Minneapolis rirst Edition / APR -6 1915 ^Ci,A429674 Introductory In compiling this booklet it is our aim to put into the hands of our friends useful, comprehensive and reliable information, in condensed form, pertaining to the leading varieties of farm seeds. To further assist the grower in the selection of certain crops, we are incorporating cuts made from pho- tographs of typical plants. For much of the information we desire to acknowledge our indebtedness to the United States De- partment of Agriculture and State Agricul- tural Experiment Stations, and for the use of many cuts the American Steel and Wire Company, Wisconsin Experiment Station and the United States Department of Agri- culture. Beginning with the initial legislation enacted in this country in relation to the sale of agricultural field seeds, we have been in the forefront in offering seeds which conform to the laws of the sev- eral states. As a means to this end we have established one of the best equipped laboratories with the largest corps of grad- uate and expert seed analysts to be found in any seed establishment. We believe too much emphasis cannot be laid upon the importance of selecting the purest seed obtainable, for it is universally admitted that results attending the use "bf high-grade seeds fully justify the sliglit% .in- crease in cost over ordinary qualities. Clean seed means a clean farm. The demand for seed of high purity and germination at moderate cost explains the popularity of our standard trade-mark brands of Timothy, Clover, Alfalfa and other field seeds. 3 Th« Albert Dickinson Co., Chicago— Minneapolis MARK Our Leading Trade-Mark Brands Ace brand Red Clover, Mam- ' moth Clover, Alsike and Fancy ' Red Top, represents choice quality, strictly re-cleaned TRADE MARK Seed. Acc brand gives satis- REGusPATOFF factlon. All seed sold under this brand is put up in machine-sewed bags branded with Ace trade-mark. Pine Tree Timothy and other Field seeds offered under this brand are especially se- lected and re-cleaned for ^ purity. The average nnaivn purity test of Pine Tree REcus^ATorT Timothy is 99 1/2% pure. The genuine is put up only in machine-sewed bags, sewed with red string, and branded with registered Pine Tree trade-mark. Pine Tree brand is not offered in competition with ordinary quali- ties. Iinneapoli<« Alfalfa 16 The Albert Dickinson Co., Chicago — Minneapolis Alfalfa (Medicago satlva) It is said that the word "Alfalfa" is of Arabic origin, meaning "the best fodder." The Persians seem to have been the first people to produce Alfalfa. It was introduced into Greece about 490 B. C; then into Italy and Spain, later into Mexico and South America, and from Chili to California. Al- falfa is the mainstay of the cattle farmer, particularly of the dairyman. No agricul- tural community can afford to ignore Al- falfa; it is now grown successfully in al- most every part of the United .States and Canada. SOIL — A deep, fertile, well-drained soil, rich in lime and reasonably free from weeds, is necessary. The lack of any one of these essentials may be the cause of failure. THE USE OF LIME— On soils which have a tendency to sourness, the use of lime is beneficial in securing a stand of alfalfa and in some cases is necessary to success. Where lime is necessary it should be ap- plied at the rate of from one to two tons per acre in any convenient form except that from gas works, which contains injurious compounds. Where only a small area is to be limed the ordinary barrel lime allowed to air slake or water slaked to a powder may be used. The ground limestone is the cheap- est form where large amounts are to be ap- plied. BARN-YARD MANURE FOR ALFALFA— Well-rotted barn-yard manure is usually a satisfactory fertilizer. Fresh manure gen- erally carries many weed seeds; therefore, if necessary to use it, the application should be made to the preceding crop. IMPORTANCE OF A WEED-FREE SOIL FOR ALFALFA — The young plants are very tender and apt to be choked out by weeds; it is therefore essential that the land be as free from weeds as possible. This can be brought about by raising some cultivated crop for two or three seasons previous to sowing Alfalfa. 17 The Albert Dickinson Co., Chicago — Minneapolis PREPARING THE SEED-BED— The ten- der nature of young Alfalfa plants requires that the soil be in excellent tilth at plant- ing time. The seed-bed should be fine on top but thoroughly settled. The young tap root of the Alfalfa plant strikes down im- mediately and is subject to serious injury if it encounters a layer of dry soil at the bottom of the old furrow. TIME OF SEEDING— The general prin- ciple underlying the time of seeding is to sow as far in advance as possible of what promises to be the most trying season for the young plants. Spring seeding is the rule in the irrigated and semi-arid sections of the West. It is also preferable in Min- nesota, Wisconsin and the Dakotas, where any but spring or early summer-seeded stands are very liable to winter-kill. METHODS OF SEEDING— Alfalfa maybe planted with a drill or seeded broadcast with a hand seeder, wheelbarrow seeder, or by hand. It is usually better to sow half the seed one way across the field, and the other half at right angles to the line of first sowing. The average rate of seeding is from fif- teen to twenty pounds of good seed per acre. Covering from three-fourths to one inch deep is usually sufficient on clay soils, or in the semi-arid sections where deep covering is required to insure sufficient moisture for the germination of the seed. USE OF A NURSE CROP— In the irri- gated sections of the West a nurse crop is often used, the two crops being seeded to- gether in the spring. In the states border- ing on Lake Michigan a half seeding of Barley is often a success as a nurse crop for Alfalfa, but even in this section it is gener- ally recommended that Alfalfa be seeded alone in midsummer. In all cases the nurse crop, if ever used, should be cut as soon as it shows signs of injuring the Alfalfa plants. 18 Th« Albert Dickinson Co., Chicago — Mlnneapolits HARVESTING ALFALFA HAY— The best time to cut Alfalfa is when new shoots are found making their appearance. It is good practice to start the mower as soon as the dew is off in the morning and prospects for two or three days good weather seem good. The hay that is cut in the forenoon should he tedded in the swath in the afternoon so that it will dry out underneath. The side- delivery rake is the ideal machine to turn the hay. The following morning the same rake is used as soon as the dew is off and the hay is sufficiently dry; two swaths are put into one, and by the next afternoon, weather favorable, it is ready to stack or put into the mow^ Some growers put it into small cocks (especially if the crop is heavy) and let it stand a few days. When this is done, it is well to provide a canvas cover for each cock. This may seem ex- pensive and tedious, but we must consider that the feeding value of Alfalfa is equal to that of Bran, and that an average crop (five tons per acre) makes land worth, at least, $1,000 per acre at five per cent. Another method of harvesting that is sometimes advantageous if the crop is not too heavy, is to run the mower late in the afternoon, when not much wilting will take place, and when the undergrowth is perfect- ly dry. This hay is turned the following day just before noon, and will be ready to rake and stack in the middle of the after- noon; or it may be raked in the afternoon and put in small cocks, turning these over the following day, putting two in one and letting them stand a few days before stack- ing. It is very important that Alfalfa be so handled that it will retain its leaves, for these make up 48 per cent of the crop by weight and contain a high per cent of pro- tein. See page 14 for information regarding cul- ture inoculation of Alfalfa and other le- gumes. Write for Alfalfa booklet. Th* Albert Diokhison Co., Chicago — Minneapolis Sweet Clover 20 The Albert Dickinson Co., Chicago — Minneapolis Sweet Clover (Melilotus alba) Sweet Clover grows in all parts of the United States and Canada. Experience has proved that, in many sections, it is a val- uable addition to farm crops. SOIL REQUIREMENTS— Sweet Clover thrives on poor clay as well as on poor sandy soils, but it prefers soils of limestone origin; if seeded on clay soils which are in- clined to be sour, considerable lime should be added at seeding time. PREPARATION OF SEED-BED— The seed-bed must be well prepared and very firm. The lack of a firm seed-bed is often the reason why Sweet Clover fails on culti- vated fields. It is usually best to seed on ground such as Corn stubble that does not require ploughing, depending upon a disk or spike-tooth harrow to cover the seed. SEEDING — It is seeded either in spring or fall, depending upon the climate. Many methods of seeding are practiced, but when sown alone the best results are obtained. Sometimes good stands are obtained with a nurse crop. Twenty to thirty pounds of hulled seed and at least twenty-five to thirty-five pounds of unhulled seed ai-e usually sown per acre. USES — It is* the most vigorous soil en- richer of all the Clovers, and will usually make satisfactory growth on poor, worn-out soil which will not support ordinary farm crops. As was the case with some other legumes when first introduced (including Alfalfa and Cow Peas), some difficulty is experienced in inducing stock to become accustomed to eating it. ERADICATION — Sweet Clover can usual- ly be killed when mown in full bloom. It disappears completely under ordinary mow- ings or cultivation; for under such condi- tions it lasts only two years and cannot re- seed itself. See page 14 for information regarding in- oculation of Sweet Clover and other le- gumes, 21 Crimson Clover 22 The Albert Dickinson Co., Chicago— Minneapolis Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum) Crimson Clover grows well in a moist, mild climate. It will not stand hard freez- ing, and, for this reason, should not be sown as a winter crop outside Middle Atlantic and Gulf States. In the colder sections it is sometimes used with fair success as a summer cover crop for orchards. SOIL — It thrives best on rich, rather sandy loams; but it gives good results on light sandy soils as well as on clay soils, if they are not too stiff and cold. SEEDING— Throughout the Middle Atlan- tic States and South generally, Crimson Clover may be sown any time from July 15th to September 15th, and if the mois- ture conditions are favorable, it may be sown still later in the Gulf States. As a rule, the best results are obtained from seed sown in July and August. In the North, spring sowing is necessary. Sow twelve to fifteen pounds per acre. HARVESTING — Crimson Clover may be harvested in the same way as common Red Clover. The crop should be cut for hay at or before full bloom. USES — Crimson Clover hay has a feed- ing value equal, if not superior, to that of Red Clover or Alsike. This clover begins growing very early in the spring, produc- ing a good growth when most other crops are just starting. This makes it a desir- able crop for early pasturing and soiling. However, its chief value is as a soil reno- vator. A common practice in the South is to sow the seed early in the fall and plow the crop under two weeks before bloom. By this method large quantities of humus and as much as 200 pounds of nitrogen are added to the soil before the regular crop is sown. It is also highly valued as a Clover crop for orchards as it reduces the mois- ture of the soil, thus hastening the matur- ity of the wood before freezing, and retains much of the plant food for the trees which would otherwise leach out of the ground. 23 Hairy Vetch 24 Th« Albert Dickinson Co., Chioagro— Minneapolis Hairy Vetch (Vicia villosa) Sometimes called Winter or Sand Vetch. This is one of the best annuals grown for stock feed, soil improving purposes, and as a cover crop in orchards. If used as a soiling crop, an acre of Vetches seeded with Oats, Rye or Winter Wheat, will yield six to eight tons of green fodder, which is read- ily eaten by all kinds of stock. SOIL — It will grow in almost any well- drained soil, and is especially suitable for sandy soil. The seed-bed should be clean, firm, moist and well-pulverized. SEEDING — Hairy Vetch is usually sown from about the middle of August to the first of October; or in the spring from the lat- ter part of April to the middle of May. It may be sown broadcast or with a grain drill at the rate of one to one and one-half bushels of seed per acre. Less seed will be required if drilled. The seed should be covered about the same depth as grains. A bushel of Rye, Wheat or Oats per acre is usually sown with one bushel of Vetch, so as to furnish a support to keep the vines off the ground. The vines are very difficult to cut when sown alone. WHEN TO CUT— Vetch should be cut for hay when the pods are half formed. It may be cut for green feed at the time it is in full bloom. USING THE CROP— If cured properly it makes good hay, as the feeding value of Vetch is similar to Clover. It also is very well adapted for pasturage purposes, as it will produce forage very late in the fall and early in the spring, at the two periods when it is most needed. It is also a good crop to plough under for green manure. Some- times it is used for ensilage, in alternate layers with green Corn. As it lives over winter, it is one of the leading cover crops recommended for orchards. See page 14 for information regarding artificial culture inoculation of Hairy Vetch. 25 Field Peas 26 The Albert Dickinson Co., Chicago— Minneapolis Field Peas (Pisum arvense) FIELD PEAS are cultivated most success- fully in Northern latitudes, and high alti- tudes, as cool temperatures are most de- sirable for their growth. SOILS — Peas do well on a large variety of soils, but clay loams with a good sup- ply of lime produce the heaviest growth and yield. Light leachy sand soils are not suit- able for the full development of the vines, because of lack of moisture, while on muck lands, if not too wet, too rank a growth of vine is obtained. SEEDING — Peas are vigorous hardy grow- ers and make the best growth during the moist cool season of the year. The soil should be, preferably, plowed ia the fall, disked well in the spring and the seed sown as early as soil and weather conditions shall permit, either in drills or broadcast, at a depth varying from 2 to 4 inches. The rate of seeding is from 2 to 3 bushels per acre when sown alone. When sown with Oats, which is a very popular practice for soiling purposes, li/^ to 1% bushels of Peas and I to 1^4 bushels of Oats are required per acre. Average yields of such a mixture vary from 10 to 20 tons per acre. HARVESTING — The grain is harvested when about two-thirds of the pods have turned yellow. As shattering of pods takes place readily, the use of a pea harvester (a device attached to the ordinary mower) will prevent heavy losses, and facilitate the cut- ting. Yields per acre vary from 16 to 40 bushels, depending on soil and climatic con- ditions. USES — Both grain and straw are excep- tionally high in feeding value being rich in muscle, blood, and bone making con- stituents. They are unexcelled as a sole ration fed to swine during the fattening pe- riod, producing better gains, pound for 27 The Albert Dickinson Co., Chicago — Minneapolis pound, and a better quality of pork than can be obtained with Corn. Peas fed in the proportion of Vs to i/^ with Wheat bran, shorts, or ground Oats form an excellent ra- tion for ewes in milk, brood sows, milch cows, lambs, colts and horses at work. Peas cut for hay while the vines are -still a little green and properly cured, rank next to Clover hay in feeding value. Aside from the feeding value, they rank next to Red Clover as a soil improver. 28 Tl*e Albert Dickinson Co. C'hioagro^Minneapolis Soy Beans 29 'li^ Albert Dickinson Co., Chicago— Minneapolis Soy Beans (Glycine hispida) Results of tests by State Agricultural Ex- periment Stations during the past few years have shown that Soy Beans may be grown over a much wider area than was originally thought profitable. Generally speaking, the Soy Bean requires about the same tem- perature as Corn. The mammoth or late maturing varieties are adapted only to Southern conditions, while the varieties pro- ducing medium size plants, which will ma- ture in from ninety to one hundred days, will mature as far north as Northern Wis- consin. SOIL — The soil requirements are much the same as those of Corn. They will make a satisfactory growth on poorer soil than Corn, provided inoculation is present, but will not make nearly as good growth on poor soil as Cow Peas. A well-drained soil is not required for their best development, although they will not grow in soil where water stands for any considerable length of time. SEEDING — Good preparation of the soil is necessary; otherwise weeds are likely to choke out the young plants. Under near- ly all conditiens the crop should be grown in rows and given sufficient cultivation to keep down the weeds. The planting should be shallow, preferably from one to two Inches in depth. There should be a plant on an average of every two or three inches in the row, and the rows twenty to thirty- six inches apart to allow cultivation. A bushel of good seed is sufficient to plant two or three acres, if in cultivated rows, but hardly enough for one acre if sown broad- cast. Date of planting usually about June 1st, but they may be planted from early spring to midsummer. HARVESTING— To make good Soy Bean hay, the crop should be cut when about half the pods are full grown or when the 30 Th« Albert Dickinson Co., Chicago — Minneapolis top leaves begin to turn yellow. Allow same to lie in swath until the leaves are well wilted, but not dry and brittle. After rak- ing into windrows they should be left for a day or two, depending on the weather, and then put in small cocks or bunches. Pre- vent loss of leaves, as these are the most valuable part of the plant except pods. The average yield is about two tons of cured hay per acre. USES — The seed of the Soy Bean is very rich in protein and oil, but contains no starch; as a feed it occupies the same place as cottonseed meal and oil meal. These high protein concentrates are necessary in all successful stock feeding, especially so in milk production and in the feeding of im- mature animals. Growing the Soy Bean will enable the farmer and feeder to pro- duce at least part of the required quantity at a moderate cost. Soy Bean hay is prac- tically identical in feeding value with Al- falfa. FEEDING VALUE— GREEN— As a soiling crop for cows, there is nothing better to produce a high yield of milk. Hogs turned into a patch of Soy Beans, just as the beans are beginning to form, will make a good growth without any grain to speak of. As a green manure crop to plough under to in- crease the fertility of the soil. Soy Beans give good satisfaction, for, under most con- ditions, they produce a good growth in a relatively short time. They are also a valuable addition to Corn for silage purposes, tending to make such silage a more nearly balanced ration. They can be well used for that purpose in the proportion of one part Soy Beans to four or five of Corn. If grown for seed alone, the harvesting can be done most easily by waiting until all the leaves have fallen. From twenty to thirty bushels of grain and one and one-half to two tons of straw per acre are not un- common yields. See page 14 for information regarding arti- ficial culture inoculation of Soy Beans. 31 The Albert Diokinson Co., rhicagro — Minneapolis CoT»- Peas 32 The Albert Dickinson Co., Cliicago — Minneapolis Cow Peas (Vigna sinensis) The Cow Pea ranks along with Clover as one of our greatest soil improvers. For many years, it has been extensively culti- vated in the Southern States, but its range has gradually extended northward until it is being successfully grown in many parts of Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Minnesota. VARIETIES. WHIP-POOR-WIL L— The Whip-Poor-Will is considered the standard of all field Cow Peas. It is suitable for either grain or hay production or both. The fact that it can be handled by machinery is bringing it more and more into prominence. NEW ERA — The New Era usually pro- duces a heavy crop of seed and matures in from seventy-five to ninety days. It is one of the earliest of the Cow Peas and is the most easily handled by machinery. See Farmers' Bulletin 318. MIXED COW PEAS — A large percentage of the Cow Pea crop comes to market un- der the name Mixed, being composed of different varieties which have grown to- gether. They make a heavy growth of vines and are splendidly adapted for ploughing under for soil improvement. Select varieties suitable to your locality. Early maturing varieties should be planted in the North. SOILS — One of the strong points of the Cow Pea is its ability to grow on poor soils. The roots will go down into the sub- soil and gather food to sustain growth in soils where other legumes, such as Clover and Alfalfa, would die. It will grow bet- ter, however, on rich soil, but over-rich soils will produce an excess of vine in pro- portion to seed they bear. A sandy loam is considered best for seed production. 33 The Albert Dickinson Co., Chicago — Minneapolis SEEDING — When grown for hay produc- tion, Cow Peas may be broadcasted, or put in with a grain drill. If broadcasted, one or two bushels per acre is required; if put in with a grain drill, which gives the most general satisfaction, use three to five pecks to the acre. If grown for seed and hay production, they should be planted in rows twenty-four to thirty-six inches apart, and cultivated two or three times. A grain drill may be used in planting in rows, by closing part of the tubes. The land should be ploughed and well harrowed. As the Cow Pea is a tender an- nual, it will not grow until weather and soil become warm and settled. About the latest date for planting corn is a safe rule to follow. HARVESTING — The proper time to cut Cow Peas for hay is when most of the pods are full grown, and a considerable number of them ripe. If cut at the right stage of maturity, four to five days of dry, sunny weather will cure them into hay of excel- lent quality. COW PEA HAY — This is very nutritious; it is nearly equal to Wheat bran as part of a ration; it is satisfactory for work stock and for beef or milk production, and gives good results when fed to poultry. Cow Pea straw is an excellent roughage and nearly as valuable as timothy hay. See page 14 for information regarding artificial culture inoculation of Cow Peas and other legumes. You get what you pay for when you buy Dickinson's "Pine Tree. »> 34 The Albert Dickinson Co., Chicagro-^MInneapoliH Italian Rye Grass. 35 The Albert Dickinson Co., Chicago — Minneapolis Perennial Rye Grass. 36 Th« Albert Dickinson Co., Chicagro — Minneapolis Rye Grasses (Lolium italicum and perenne) The two common varieties of Rye Grasses are the Italian Rye (Lolium italicum) and Perennial Rye (Lolium perenne). Both of these grasses are of European origin, and, while very popular there, they are of minor importance in this country, except for a few localities. Soils most suitable for their growth are moist, loamy soils of a lime- stone origin. They do not do well on stiff clays nor will they withstand much drought. They are very easily established, and rel- ished by cattle, but are rather short lived. The Italian Rye Grass lasts only two years and often only one, while Perennial Rye lasts from two to five years. The usual Amount of seed to sow per acre varies from 30 to 40 pounds. In this country Italian Rye Grass thrives best in our eastern states, in a region be- tween Pennsylvania and Virginia. It grows somewhat taller and more rapidly than Perennial Rye Grass. It also produces a larger amount of foliage which is coarser, grows more upright, and is of a lighter green color. It may also be distinguished from the other variety by the short awns on the seeds. Because of its short dura- tion it is not valuable for permanent mea- dows. It is advisable to mix it with some other standard grasses like Red Top or Orchard which will increase in value while the Rye Grass decreases. Of the Perennial Rye Grass variety lim- ited quantities are grown in the United States west of the Cascade Mountains oh the Pacific Coast. It is a valuable grass in lawn mixtures because of its rapid growth of fine leaved foliage. Although used for both hay and pasture, it is best adapted to pastures of short duration. European coun- tries recommend sowing it in mixtures with other grasses, not to exceed 10% of the whole. Yields of hay vary from two to two and one-half tons per acre. Both grasses produce seed abundantly often yielding 40 bushels to the acre. 37 MeadOTV Fescue 38 Thie Albert Dickinson Co., Chicago — Minneapolis Meadow Fescue (Festuca elatior) MEADOW FESCUE — Or English Blue Grass, as it is sometimes called, is a val- uable hay and pasture grass. In nearly all the Northern States and in Canada, where more recently grown, it is coming into spe- cial favor. It may often be used to advan- tage in permanent pasture and meadow mix- tures. It is a very valuable grass to sow on wet or moist lands, as it grows very rapidly and tends to keep down the coarser grasses which naturally grow in such places. It will thrive in wet places when trampled by stock, where Timothy, Ken- tucky Blue Grass or Clover would fail. It is particularly adapted to clay and other heavy soils. SEEDING — Meadow Fescue is usually sown in the fall, from about August 15th to September 15th, without a nurse crop. It may also be seeded in the spring. The seed-bed is generally prepared by discing a corn field or ploughing under grain stubble. A finely pulverized, firm seed-bed is neces- sary for the proper germination of this, as well as other kinds of grass. The seed may be sown broadcast and covered with a har- row, as other grass and Clover seeds usual- ly are, but the general opinion is that a press or disk drill, covering just a trifle more lightly than in sowing grain, gives better results. Fifteen to twenty pounds of seed per acre is recommended. HARVESTING— When used for hay it is cut as it comes into bloom about June 20th to 25th, and usually yields one to one and one-half tons per acre. On exceptionally good soil, by application of manure, this yield may be increased to two and even three tons per acre. Meadow Fescue produces a good quality of hay which is readily eaten by all kinds of stock. Generally speaking, it does not yield so much hay as Timothy, but when established the meadow will live longer. We recommend this for a hay crop where Timothy does not do well. 39 Timothy 40 The Albert Dickinson Co., Chioago — Minneapolis Timothy (Phleum pratense) Timothy is the standard hay of com- merce. The cheapness of the seed, the ease of culture, and excellent quality of the hay make it a favorite. TIMOTHY is also known as Herd's grass and meadow cat's tail. The names Tim- othy and Herd's grass originated after men credited with having introduced this forage into certain sections of this country. Tim- othy Hanson or Hanso, of Maryland, intro- duced the seed from England in 1720 and distributed it through Virginia and Caro- lina. John Herd is said to have found it in a swamp in New England about 1700 and began to cultivate it and later distribute it through New England. Meadow cat's tail, the oldest name, was given to this grass because of the appearance of the head. SOIL — It is adapted to all soils, but suc- ceeds best on moist loams and clays. The life of a Timothy meadow varies according to soil and climate. It produces more profit- able yields the first and second years. SEEDING — Timothy is grown in a four or five-year rotation; fifteen pounds of Tim- othy is considered a full seeding .when used alone; when seeded with Clover, Wheat, Oats or Barley, eight to twelve pounds of Timothy with four to five pounds of Red Clover is a desirable mixture. HARVESTING— It is preferable to cut Tihiothy after the seed is formed and in full milk on account of the roots being bet- ter able to withstand drought. It should be cut four inches from the ground, as most Timothy is killed by mowing close and early, before it has come to maturity. 41 The Albert Dickinson Co., Chicago — Minneapolis • Kentucky Blue Grass 42 The Albert Dickinson Co., Chiirkin«5rti» Co., fhirag-o—MinneapoUe Hungrarian Millet 56 Th« Albert Dickinson Co., Chitagro— Minneapolis Hungarian Millet (Chaetochloa italica) Hungarian Millet, also called Hungarian Grass, was introduced into this country shortly after the introduction of Common Millet. It is well adapted to the northern Millet growing section where there is a reasonable amount of rainfall. The length of the growing season is intermediate be- tween the Common and the German. This variety is giving excellent results over a wide territory and we believe that under suitable conditions it is one of the best va- rieties a farmer can grow. The quality of hay is somewhat better than that of Ger- man and next to Common. While not as drought resistant as Common Millet, it will usually produce better yields under favor- able conditions of soil and climate. It has a tendency to persist in the soil when al- lowed to mature seed before harvesting, but seldom becomes troublesome except on light sandy soils or those recently brought un- der cultivation. The heads are short, erect, dark purple in color and very compact. Seeds are yellow and purple in color and oval in shape. Stems are slender, have a tendency to branch, and bear rather nar- row green leaves. Like Common this va- riety produces a number of plants from one seed. Dickinson Brands are the Best 57 The Albert Dickinson Co., Chicago — Minneapolis German Millet 58 The Albert Dickinson Co., Chicago — Minneapolis German Millet (Chaetochloa italica) German Millet Is a very popular variety in the South and Central States where it has been under cultivation since the early sixties. It thrives best in soil subject to considerable rainfall and will not resist drought as well as the smaller varieties. The growing period is from 14 to 21 days longer than that of Common or Hungarian Millet. The hay is coarser and less highly valued for feed. However, when the for- age can be fed in the green state, it will be found to be an excellent variety to grow because of the high yield. German Millet is a later developed va- riety and is not constant in its characters. When examining a field many, perhaps most, of the heads may be typical of the variety,, but usually there are many which can scarcely be distinguished from Common Mil- let or other standard varieties. Typical German Millet grown in the South becomes much modified when grown in the North. The heads are large and broad, and com- posed of clustered branches with purplish awns. Leaves are rather short and broad. Seeds, like those of Common Millet are yel- low but smaller in size. T R A D E^^^g^ M A R K Pine *^^^ Tree BRAND REG U.S. PATOrr IT STANDS ALONE .59 Thf Albert niokinson Co., Chicago— Minneapolis Common Millet 60 Th« Albert Dickinson Co., Chicago — Minneapolis Coramon Millet (Chaetochloa italica) Common Millet was one of the first of the foxtail millets to be introduced and come into general cultivation in the U. S. It is also the earliest and hardiest variety grown in the northern part of the Millet belt. It is very drought resistant and will produce a fair crop on the poorer classes of soils. Under ideal conditions of soil and moisture, stock feeders prefer this Millet for hay to others because of its finer qual- ity, there being less loss in feeding it. Ger- man Millet usually produces better yields under favorable conditions of soil and mois- ture, but under average conditions Com- mon Millet produces more forage of finer quality in the Northern States. Although one of the earliest of the fox- tail Millets', it is most constant in its char- acters. The heads are nodding, medium in size, rather compact at the tip, but open at the base, and taper toward the tip. Seeds are somewhat larger than, those of Hun- garian or German, oval in shape, and yellow in color. Stems are slender, do not usually branch, and produce broad leaves. This Mil- let stools freely, especially, when grown on. rich soil. rPADE MARK ickinson Co., Chicago — Minneapolis Siberian Millet • 62 The Albert Dickinson Co., ( liioago — Minneapoli Siberian Millet (Chaetochloa italica) Siberian Millet is regarded as one of the best varieties for general cultivation in the Western States. Like many other val- uable plants this variety of Millet was in- troduced into this country by the United States Department of Agriculture from Rus- sia. It belongs to the foxtail group under which Common, Hungarian, and German Millets are classified. It matures about the same time as Common and Hungarian Mil- lets and has been successfully grown in sections where the season is too short to mature a corn crop. The habit of growth, beard, and chaff are much similar to Hungarian Millet. The heads are drooping, somewhat larger than either those of Common or Hungarian Mil- lets, tapering at both ends, with rather con- spicuous, closely flowered subdivisions. Seeds are of about the same size and shape as those of Common and Hungarian Millets, but white to orange in color. Probably no variety of Millet produces a heavier yield of either seed or forage, or a better quality of hay. Its abundant growth of stalk and drought resistant qualities has brought it into high favor among stockmen in the Northwestern States. T R A EiSSiSk«, M A R K High ^^£ Moderate Purity «^^& Cost BRAND REO U3 PAT on- es J he Albert Dickinson Co., Chicago — Minneapolis Japanese Millet 64 The Albert Dickinson Co., Chicago— MinneapoU* Japanese Barnyard Millet (Panicum Crus-galli) The seed from which, so far as known, all the Japanese Barnyard Millet now culti- vated in the United States has descended, was brought to Amherst from Northern Japan in 1889 by Wm. P. Brooks, now Di- rector of the Massachusetts Agricultural Ex- periment Station. Throughout Japan the seed of this Mil- let is considerably used as human food, be- ing prepared in many ways which are pe- culiar to the country. The capacity of this Millet for seed production is very great. It has sometimes yielded in Amherst nearly 100 bushels of 35 pounds each per acre. In composition, the seed closely resembles Oats and in feeding experiments in Amherst, meal made by grinding the seed, fed in connection with other grains has seemed to be fully equal to oatmeal in rations for milch cows. The seed is valuable also as food for poultry. It is not, however, as a seed crop that the Japanese Millet will be principally valued in the United States, but for for- age. 1. For Green Feed: In the opinion of the introducer, the Japanese Barnyard Mil- let is likely to prove of greater value as a green food than for any other purpose. Its capacity for production is great. The for- age is tender and highly relished and in nutritive value appears to be about equal to the best green Corn fodder. Yields at the rate of rather more than twenty tons per acre are easily obtained. In using this Millet as a green food, it is best to begin cutting just before the heads appear. That portion of the Millet which is cut prior to the formation of the seed will produce a considerable second crop, which may be I either cut for later feeding or fed off, as preferred. 2. As an Ensilage Crop: The intro- ducer regards Japanese Millet as superior 65 I The Albert Dickinson Co., Chicago — Minneapolis for ensilage to any of the cereal grains except Corn, or to any of the other Millets. 3. As a Hay Crop: Japanese Millet, on account of extreme succulence, is a some- what difficult crop to cure. If well cured, however, chiefly in the cock, it makes an extremely palatable and nutritious hay high- ly relished by all classes of stock, partic- ularly by horses, which seem to prefer it to good Timothy hay. So far as is known, moreover, hay from this species of Millet does not cause kidney troubles, which often follow the free use of hay made from the other varieties of Millet. SOIL AND CLIMATIC ADAPTATION— Japanese Millet requires for most satisfac- tory results rather rich and retentive soils. On the thin, light soils, liable to suffer from the effects of protracted dry weather, it will prove unsatisfactory. This Millet will be found of great value throughout the north- ern half of the United States, except in the semi-arid belt lying between the Missouri and the Rockies, and even in this section it can undoubtedly be grown with great success under irrigation. TIME AND MANNER OF SOWING— The heaviest crops are obtained from relatively early sowing in any given locality, within those dates best suited for the planting of corn. It grows rapidly, and in the latitude of Amherst has given yields as high as twelve tons per acre of green forage when sown as late as the first of July. For seed production, the Millet should be sown in drills, but for forage broadcast sowing is best. From twelve to fourteen pounds of seed per acre will be sufficient on good soils for relatively early sowing. On poorer soils and for late sowing, the quantity of seed should be proportionately increased. It is better to be safe than sorry — insist on sowing Dickinson's ''Pine Tree." 66 The Albert Dickinson Co., Chicago — Minneapolis Broom Corn Millet 67 h* Albert Dickinson Co., Chicago — Minneapolis Broom Corn Millets (Panicum miliaceum) Broom Corn Millets have not come into general use in the United States, but are grown extensively in Europe. In the North- west this crop is highly prized because of its ability to mature a crop of seed in short, dry seasons, thus serving to some ex- tent as a substitute for Corn. VARIETIES— The different cultivated va- rieties differ in habit of growth and char- acter of heads, but are chiefly distinguished by the color of the seeds. The latter may be white, yellow, red, or even black. The varieties most popular in the Northwest are Broom Corn and Early Fortune Millets. The Broom Corn Millets will grow on a variety of soils, but the best results are obtained on loams with little clay and not too much sand. SEEDING— Like foxtail Millets, these Mil- lets are rather sensitive to cold and seed- ing should be postponed until the ground is thoroughly warm. However, it should take place before the dry spell of summer begins. A succession of crops for soiling or silage can be practiced by sowing at periods of two or three weeks from May 10th to late in July. For hay purposes, use from one-half to three-fourths of a bushel, and for seed from eight to twelve pounds per acre. HARVESTING — For soiling or for hay. Broom Corn Millets, may be cut as soon as they "head out" or before. Best quality of hay, however, is obtained by cutting the crop during the bloom stage. For silage they may be cut any time be- tween heading out and the formation of seeds. When desired for seed these Millets are harvested like ordinary grain during the late dough stage. Yields varying from 50 to 60 bushels per acre are frequently re- ported from the Northwest. USES — The seed is richer, both in pro- Th>e Albert Dickinson Co., Chicago — Minneapolis tein and fat than that of foxtail millet. Very satisfactory results have been obtained in feeding it to swine and young cattle, and is an excellent grain on which to prepare animals for the market. It is better adapted for human food than the seed of any other Millet grown in this country and makes a good poultry food. TRADE MARK REGUS.PAT.OFR Dickinson Brands are the Best The Albert Dickinson Co., Chioago — Minneapolis Amber Cane 70 Th« Albert Oickinsen Co., Chicago— Minneapolis Amber Cane (Andropogon sorghum Brot.) Amber Cane is one of the oldest and earliest maturing varieties of Sorghum now in use. It requires approximately 70 to 100 days to mature, depending on soil and cli- matic conditions. Because of its early maturity it has become very popular in the Northern sections of the United States. SOILS — The best yields are obtained on rich sandy loams, but when grown on gum- bo, hard pan, or other poor soils, it is more successful than other crops. Since the growth of the plants is very slow during the first few weeks, it is essential fo have the soil free of weeds and of good tilth, otherwise the plants may be overwhelmed with weeds. SEEDING — Soil preparation same as for corn. May be sown broadcast at the rate of 75 to 100 pounds per acre, thus produc- ing a fine quality of hay, or planted in rows 21 to 24 inches apart to permit cultivation. For soiling or silage purposes, 8 to 10 pounds to the acre are planted in drills. CULTIVATION — When sown broadcast, it may be safely harrowed until 4 to 6 inches high without injury to the plant. Drilled fields may be first cultivated with a light spike tooth harrow driving over the fields parallel to the rows. HARVESTING— For silage or fodder, like corn, Cane is best harvested when the seed is in dough stage, using an ordinary Corn binder. Fields that are sown broadcast may be advantageouslv harvested with a grain binder. Dry fodder of Cane is equal if not superior to Corn because of its juicy and palatable stems. For hay, it may be har- vested any time after large enough to cut as ordinary Millet hay, though the best qual- ities are obtained shortly after blooming. YIELDS — Reports range all the way from five to forty tons of green forage, and from two to twelve tons of hay per acre. Grow- ers of both Sorghum and Corn agree that Sorghum ordinarily outyields Corn for for- age except in the heart of the Corn belt. 71 DT»'arf E^ssex Rape 72 The Albert Dickinson Co.. Cliioagro — Minneapolis! Dwarf Essex Rape Dwarf Essex Rape is a biennial plant of great forage value. A much larger acreage of this forage crop could be grown to advan- tage for green feed during the summer and fall months when the supply of grasses and Clovers is often limited. SOIL — For its best development Rape re- quires a rich, moist, loamy soil, but will usually do well in any but light sandy soils and stiff clays. S E E D I N G — Throughout the Northern States, seeding as a rule takes place from the first of May until the last of July. Under favorable conditions use three to "four pounds of seed per acre and preferably drill it far enough apart to allow cultivation. With favorable conditions, good crops may be obtained from broadcast seeding. In some sections it has been found profit- able to sow Clover and Rape together. A good stand of Clover is obtained in this way, and the two make a good hog or sheep pasture during the fall months. Rape is sown on Corn ground, just pre- ceding the last cultivation. This makes a splendid fall feed for cattle, sheep or swine. CULTIVATION— If the seed has been drilled, the crop should receive at least three or four cultivations during its early growth. USING THE CROP— The Rape is usually ready for use in about 8 or 10 weeks from date of seeding. Stock as a rule is turned into the field, and allowed to remain until the Rape is pastured off. It is said to be without a rival in all the list of succulent summer and fall feeds for sheep. DANGER FROM BLOATING— Cattle, sheep and hogs may suffer seriously from bloating, if sufficient care is not taken. It is best to give the animals a full feed, have them well satisfied with other food before they are turned into the Rape. Wait until the dew is off and leave them on but a short time the first day. Salt should be freely supplied. 73 Wheat (Triticum vulgare) The history of Wheat is coincident with that of man. The early lake dwellers of Switzerland cultivated a variety during the Stone Age, while the Chinese grew Wheat 2700 B. C. Wheat may be classified into spring and winter varieties, into hard and soft varie- ties, or according to botanical differences. CLIMATE AND SOILS— Wheat is adapted to a very v/ide range of climate, but the best yields and best qualities of Wheat are produced in a temperate climate where the seasons are sufficiently long to allow 100 to 125 days of good growing weather and where the rainfall is not less than 20 inches, quite uniformly distributed throughout the growing period. SEEDING — A thorough preparation of the soil by fall plowing and cultivating is de- sirable for the growing of either spring or winter Wheat. Seeding time of winter Wheat in the Northern sections varies be- tween the 10th of September and the last of September. In the case of spring Wheat, seeding should take place as early as weather and soil will permit. Sowing 6 to 8 pecks per acre in drills has been recom- mended by several experiment stations. HARVESTING — Wheat is considered ma- ture when the berry is in the dough stage and the straw begins to turn yellow. If harvested too early, there is apt to be a loss in yield as the increase of grain is most rapid up to the soft dough state. Cut- ting is usually carried on with a grain binder which binds the grain into bundles. These should be put into round shocks, and capped with one or two extra bundles to prevent the Wheat heads from being ex- posed to rain and dew. Preservation of the bright color in Wheat is very desirable in good milling Wheat. THRESHING — When weather conditions permit, the most economical practice is to 74 Th« Albert Dickinson Co., Chicagro — Minneapolis thresh directly from the shock. During rainy seasons or in humid sections, it is preferable to store the grain either in stacks or barns, and allow it to sweat. USES — Wheat is primarily used for the production of flour from which different forms of food are made, while its by-prod- ucts, which are of high feeding value, are fed to domestic animals. YIELDS — Yields vary greatly with cli- mate, soil and cultural methods. Different cultural methods in growing Wheat were tried out at Kansas Experiment Station and the yields obtained varied from 414 to 38% bushels per acre. The average yield of Wheat in the United States is 14 bushels per acre. BRAND HEC U^ PAT OFF Dickinson Brands are the Best 75 The Albert Dickinson Co., Chicagro — Minneapolis Fife Wheat 76 The Albert Dickinson Co.. Chicago — Minneapolis Fife Wheat It is generally agreed that Fife Wheat was originally introduced from the northern Volga River valley district of Russia, but confirming details are lacking. Mtich cred- ence is given to the following statement published by the Canadian Agriculturist of 1891. "About the year 1842, Mr. David Fife, of the township of Otonabee, Canada West, now Ontario, procured, through a friend in Glasgow, Scotland, a quantity of Wheat which had been obtained from a cargo di- rect from Danzig. As it came to hand just before spring seed time, and not knowing whether it was fall or spring variety, Mr. Fife concluded to sow a part of it that spring and wait for the result. It proved to be a fall Wheat, as it never ripened, ex- cept three ears, which grew apparently from a single grain. These were preserved and although sown the next year under unfavor- able circumstances, being quite late and in a shady place, it proved at harvest to be entirely free from rust, when all Wheat in the neighborhood was badly rusted. The produce of this was carefully pre- served and from it sprung the variety of Wheat known over Canada and Northern States by the different names of Fife, Scotch, and Glasgow." It is a popular hard spring Wheat of the Northern Great Plains and Canada becoming established at the introduction of the purifier and roller millg in 1870. It is considered the best bread Wheat. The plant grows to medium height but ripens several days earlier than Blue- stem, which very often enables it to escape rust and drought or frost in the Northern latitudes. The glumes or outer coverings of the grain are white, smooth, and awn- less. Kernels are dark red, rather broad in proportion to the length, have very wide grooves and are slightly harder than those of the Bluestem. Like Bluestem it is reasonably drought resistant, seldom lodges, and is considered somewhat more hardy. 77 Bluestem Wheat 78 riif Albert DWkinMni Co., Chicago — Minneapolis Bluestem Wheat Data relative to the time and source of introduction of Bluestem Wheat into the Northern Great Plains and Canada are very indefinite. However, like Fife Wheat, it was not firmly established as a profitable crop until 1870, coincident with the intro- duction of the purifier and roller mill. It is a very popular hard spring Wheat grown throughout the Northwest and in some lo- calities yielding much higher than Fife. It is slightly inferior to Fife as a bread Wheat but under favorable conditions the quality of the flour is practically the same. It grows somewhat taller, is reasonably drought resistant, seldom lodges, but requires from 3 to 10 days longer to mature. Heads are beardless, glumes or outer covering v/hite and velvety. Kernels are dark red with wide out-curving, grooves, and somewhat larger but slightly softer than those of the Fife. v-V'1% rpADE MARK REG U 4 PAT OFF Dickinson Brands are the Best 79 Th* Albert I)i<>kiii! A Balanced Grain Ration Poultry Feed for Grown Fowls SUITABLE AT ALL SEASONS CLEAN— SOUND— SWEET Insist upon these brands. Twelve years of proved success. If your dealer does not carry these brands write us for samples. ASK YOUR DEALER The Albert Dickinson Co. Chiragro — Minneapolis Dickinson's Sno^vball Pop Corn The corn is shelled from espe- cially se- leeted ears, carefully cleaned, so that it is uniform and free from dirt — Ready for the Popper Who does not lecollett with pleasure, bleak wintry afternoons enlivened by a dish of deliciously flavored Pop Corn? Or, the added cheerfulness supplied by this danty delicacy at picnics, parties or evenings at home? In our experience no other confection has to such a degree this quality of infusing so generously, true, inspiring cheerfulness. One of the saci-ed duties of parents is to provide for the children an atmo- sphere of gaiety and happiness. Cheer- fulness is the very fountain of enthu- siasm — and enthusiastic children are healthy children! Furthermore, even if eaten freely. Pop Corn will not harm children. That's a reason why it is preferable to peanuts and candy. It is nutritious and health- ful, too. If you would have your childhood days brought vividly back to you. buy imme- diately a package of SNOWBALL Ask Your Grocer 115 Th« Albert Dickinson Co.. Chicag*! — Minneapolis :»Mm This Dickinson Test Plot is located alongside of our Minneapolis Seed Cleaning Plant and Offices. This is where experiments and tests are conducted by our Expert Seed Analyst and Agronomist. 116 The Albert Dickinson Co., Chicago — Minneapolis INDEX Name Pa^se Alfalfa 16- 19 Alsike 1^-11 Amber Cane '"" ' ^ Barley Buckwheat 107-109 Clover, Crimson 22-23 Clover, Mammoth 8- 9 Clover, Medium Red 5- 7 Clover, Sweet ?2' ?J Clover, White 1^-1^ Cow Peas 6^-6^ Dwarf Essex Rapo 72-73 Emmer, also called Speltz 88-90 Field Peas 26-28 Flax 104-106 Grass, Canada Blue 44-45 Grass, Kentucky Blue of ol Grass, Italian and Perennial 6b- 6 i Grass, Orchard 48-49 Grass, Slender Wh^at or Western l^ye 52- 53 Grass, Smooth Brome 50-51 Hairy Vetch • • • • • 24-25 Legume, Inoculation 14-15 Meadow Fescue 38-39 Millets ^ 54-55 Millet, Broom Corn ^n ci Millet, Common r o' ri Millet, German rr k- Millet, Hungarian a a' la Millet, Japanese to at Millet, Siberian 6^- bd Oats 96-97 Oats, Kherson or Sixty Day 98-99 Oats, Silver Mine 102-103 Oats, Swedish Select 100-101 117 The Albert Dickinson Co., Chicagro— MinneapoUs INDEX-Cont. Name Page Quantities per acre, and weight per bushel 112-113 Red Top 46-47 Rye 94-95 Seeding Ill Soy Beans 29-31 Timothy 40-41 Wheat 74-75 Wheat, Bluestera 78-79 Wheat, Durum 86-87 Wheat, Emmer, also called Speltz. . 88- 90 Wheat, Fife 76-77 Wheat, Marquis 80-81 Wheat, Preston (Velvet Chaff) 82- 83 Wheat, Turkey Red 84-85 ^^^orUALB,?^^^ Dickinson Brands are the Best 118 Th* Albert Dickinson Co., Chicago — Minneapolis Memorando The Albert Dickinson Co., Chicago — Minneapolis Memorando The Albert DickiKson Co., Chicago — Minneapolis LS.?.?^ OF CONGRESS PH 002 681 283 5 f^.---- Trade mai**^ ^RANDS REGlSTtP^P ^N THE U.S. AND can- Pine TRE^'' GLOBE, CRESCENT, SUN, ACE, QUEE^^