By thus allowing the plants to mature seed, any crop may follow that can

be grown after May. By following burr clover with cow peas, land may be

much fertilized in one year. By reversing the process on land low in

fertility, that is, sowing the peas first and the clover later, a much

better growth of the clover will be secured. The seed may also be sown

in corn and cotton crops, with a view to enriching the land. But it is

only in the Gulf States that much attention is given to growing burr

clover thus, and for the reason, probably, that the winters are too

cold to admit of the plants furnishing a sufficiency of grazing at that

season.

Burr clover is sometimes grown with Bermuda grass. The latter furnishes

summer grazing. There is some merit in the plan, if the seed of the burr

clover were sown from year to year. When the re-seeding of the plants is

depended on from season to season there is difficulty in adjusting the

grazing so as to admit of the plants properly re-seeding for the growth

that is to follow. If the Bermuda grass is not closely grazed many of

the burrs which contain the seeds may not reach the ground in time to

germinate.

=Preparing the Soil.=--Since burr clover has much power to re-seed the

land without preparation, it is more commonly reproduced thus. But, as

with all other plants, it will grow more quickly and more luxuriantly on

a well-prepared seed-bed, where it may be thought worth while to thus

prepare the land. The cultivation given to such crops as corn, cotton or

cow peas makes an excellent preparation of the soil on which to sow burr

clover.

=Sowing.=--Usually, burr clover is allowed to re-seed itself after it

has once become established in the soil. In this respect it is not

unlike small white clover and Japan clover, but it does not grow so well

as these on poor soil. Where not yet established, it must, of course, be

sown where it is desired to grow it.

The seed is commonly sown in September or early October, but some

growers recommend sowing in the burrs as early as June or July, that the

tough surrounding which encloses the seed may have time to decay. When

seed separate from the burr is used, it is sown in the months named.

When sown on well-prepared soil, grazing should be plentiful from

February onward.

Burr clover is more commonly sown in the burr. The burrs are usually

scattered by hand and on land that has been pulverized, but it is easily

possible, when the conditions are favorable, to obtain a stand on land

that has not been plowed. Where seed is scarce, the burrs are sometimes

planted in squares 3 feet apart each way, a limited number of burrs

being dropped at one time. When thus planted, 1 bushel of burrs will

plant several acres. The plants will soon possess all the ground, but to

enable them to do so, pasturing must be deferred for one season. Whether

sown in the burr or otherwise, it is better to cover the seed with the

harrow.

One bushel of burrs weighs from 10 to 12 pounds. It has been stated 1

bushel of clean seed weighs 60 pounds. When sown in the burr, it is

usual to sow 3 to 5 bushels per acre, but in some instances less is sown

and in some more. When seed apart from the burr is sown 12 pounds per

acre should suffice. In some instances it is sown on Bermuda sod, but

the attempts to grow it thus have not always proved satisfactory. At the

Louisiana Experiment Station it was found that the burr clover remained

long enough and grew large enough to injure the Bermuda. Possibly closer

grazing would have prevented such injury. When sown on Bermuda grass,

June, July or August are the months chosen for scattering the seed.

Burr clover is also sometimes sown in corn and cotton to provide winter

grazing, but when thus sown the object more frequently sought is to

enrich the land. Both ends may be accomplished in some degree.

=Pasturing.=--Opinions differ as to the palatability of this grass. All

are agreed that stock do not take kindly to it at first, but that they

come to relish it at least reasonably well when accustomed to it. It is

said to be relished less by horses and mules than by other domestic

animals. It has been praised as a pasture for swine. It is more

palatable in the early stages of its growth, and will bear close

grazing, and also severe tramping. It will provide pasture for six

months, but not so bountifully in the first months of growing as later.

=Harvesting for Hay.=--Burr clover is not a good hay plant. Owing to the

recumbent character of the growth it is not easily mowed, nor has it

much palatability in the cured form. The yield is said to be from 1/2 to

1 ton per acre.

=Securing Seed.=--In the Gulf States the seed matures in April and May.

The plants grow seed profusely. Sown in October, stock may usually be

allowed free access to it until March, and if then removed, it will

spring up quickly and mature seed so profusely that when the plants die

and partially decay seed may sometimes be collected in hollows, into

which it has been driven by the wind. It is more commonly sown in the

burr form, the form in which it is usually gathered. The more common

method of saving the seed, as given by Mr. A. H. Beattie of Starkville,

Mississippi, is to first rake off the dead vines so as to leave the

burrs on the ground and then sweep them together with a suitable wire or

street broom. It is then lifted and run through two sets of sifters of

suitable mesh by hand to remove the trash swept up in gathering the

seed. It is probable that other methods more economical of labor are yet

to be devised when harvesting the seed crop. As much as 100 bushels of

burrs have been obtained from an acre, but that is considerably more

than the average yield of seed.

=Renewing.=--Since this plant is an annual, it cannot be renewed in the

sense in which renewal is possible with a perennial. But as has been

shown above (see page 294), it may be grown annually for an indefinite

period in the same land and without re-sowing by hand. It has also been

shown that by sowing the seed in certain crops at the proper season,

from year to year, it may be made to grow from year to year where the

rotation will admit of this. (See page 295.) When the ground is well

stored with seed, the plants will continue to come up freely in the soil

for at least two or three years, even without any re-seeding of the

land.

=As a Fertilizer.=--The growing of burr clover exercises a beneficial

influence on the land. Its value for this purpose, since it can be grown

as a catch crop, is probably greater than its value in providing food

for stock. Like all plants that are more or less creeping in their habit

of growth, it shades the soil and keeps it moist, which, in conjunction

with the influence of the roots, puts it in a friable condition. When

the plants grow rankly, it is not easy to bury them properly with the

ordinary plow, but in such instances, if cut up with a disk harrow, the

work is facilitated. The plants quickly die down so as to make plowing

easily possible, but the aim should be to have such decay take place

within the soil rather than above it.

CHAPTER XI

SWEET CLOVER

Sweet clover is so named from the sweet odor which emanates from the

living plants. It is of two species. These are designated, respectively,

_Melilotus alba_ and _Melilotus officinalis_. The former is also called

Bokhara clover, White Melilot and Tree clover. It is possibly more

widely known by the name Bokhara than by any other designation. The

latter is sometimes called Yellow clover. The difference between these

in appearance and habits of growth does not seem to be very marked,

except that the blossoms of the former are white and those of the latter

are yellow.

Sweet clover is upright and branched in its habit of growth. It attains

to a height of from 2 to 8 feet, according to the soil in which the

plants grow. The somewhat small and truncate leaves are not so numerous,

relatively, as with some other varieties of clover, and the stems are

woody in character, especially as they grow older. The blossoms are

small and white or yellow, according to the variety, and the seed pods

are black when ripe. The roots are large and more or less branched, and

go down to a great depth in the soil; especially is this true of the

main, or tap root.

The plants, according to Beale, are annual or biennial, but more

commonly they are biennial. They do not usually blossom the year that

they are sown, but may blossom within a year from the date of sowing.

For instance, when sown in the early autumn, they may bloom the

following summer. They are exceedingly hardy, having much power to

endure extremes of heat and cold, and to grow in poor soils and under

adverse conditions. In some soils they take possession of road sides and

vacant lands, and continue to grow in these for successive years. The

impaction of such soils by stock treading on them seems rather to

advance than to hinder the growth. They start growing early in the

spring and grow quickly, especially the second year. They come into

bloom in June, early or later, according to the latitude, and ordinarily

only in the year following that in which they were sown. Because of the

fragrant odor which is emitted from the plants as they grow, they are

sometimes introduced into gardens and ornamental grounds.

[Illustration: Fig. 9. Sweet Clover (_Melilotus alba_)

Tennessee Experiment Station]

The uses of the plants are at least three. It has some value as a food

for live stock. It has much value as a fertilizer. It has probably even

more value as a food for bees. It has also been used in binding soils.

Its value as a food for stock has probably been overestimated. It is

bitter, notwithstanding the fragrant odor that emanates from it; hence,

it is not relished by stock, insomuch that they will not eat it when

they can get other food that is more palatable. As hay, it is hard to

cure and of doubtful palatability when cured. As a fertilizer, its value

does not seem to have been sufficiently recognized, and the same is

probably true of it as bee pasture, although many bee-keepers are alive

to its great merit for such a use.

This plant does not seem to find much favor with many. The United States

Department of Agriculture has spoken of it as a "weedy biennial,

concerning which extravagant claims have been made." The laws of some

States proscribe it as a weed, and impose penalties directed against any

who allow it to grow. Legislatures should be slow to class a legume as a

weed, especially one that has much power to enrich soils. The author

cherishes the opinion that this plant has a mission in the economy of

agriculture and of considerable importance to farmers, especially in

soils that are poor and worn, as soon as they come to understand it

properly.

=Distribution.=--Sweet clover is probably indigenous to the semi-arid

regions of Asia. The name Bokhara would seem to indicate as much, but it

is also found in many parts of Europe, and if the facts were known, was

doubtless brought from Europe to North America by the first settlers.

For many decades it has been represented in many flower gardens in all

parts of the country.

The plant will endure almost any amount of cold when it is once

established. It has stood well the winters of Manitoba. It can also

endure extreme summer heat, since it thrives well in some parts of

Texas. It grows most vigorously where the rainfall is abundant, as in

Western Oregon, and it makes a strong growth in the dry areas of Western

Kansas and Nebraska.

Sweet clover will grow vigorously in some part or parts of every State

in the Union. Of course, it has higher adaptation for some conditions

than others. In some of the Central and Southern States, it has

multiplied to such an extent without cultivation as to have assumed the

character of a weed; hence, the legislation against it. When it is

called to mind that this plant is a legume, and when the further fact is

recognized that it may be used not only in enriching soils, but at the

same time improving them mechanically, in addition to other benefits

that it may be made to render, surely the enactments which prohibit its

growth should be repealed in any State where these exist. In the

Northern States, with a normal rainfall, the mission of this plant is

likely to be circumscribed, for the reason that other legumes possessed

of a much higher food value may be grown in these. In the Southern

States, its mission will be more important, since it may be used in some

of these with decided advantage in binding soils and in renovating them,

even when too poor to produce a vigorous growth of cow peas. It is

likely also that it may yet be made to render good service in the

semi-arid country west of the Mississippi River, where other clovers

cannot be grown.

Sweet clover will grow in all the provinces of Canada. For economic

uses, however, it is not likely to grow to any great extent east of Lake

Superior, or west of the Rocky Mountains. Other legumes more useful may

be grown in these areas. But in the intervening wheat-growing region it

is possible that it may come to be used for purposes of soil

renovation.

=Soils.=--But little can be gleaned from American sources on this

subject. Notwithstanding, it may be said with safety that it has greater

power to grow on poor, worn and hard soils than any forage plant that

has yet been introduced into America for economic uses.

It will probably be found true of it, as of other clovers, that it will

thrive best on soils that have produced timber, and more especially

timber of the hardwood varieties. This means, therefore, that it will

grow well in probably all kinds of clay soils and also in loam soils

underlaid with clay. It has high adaptation for soils abounding in lime.

It can be made to succeed on hard clay subsoils from which the surface

soil has been removed. But it will also grow well on sandy soils and

even on gravels when a reasonable amount of moisture is present. The

author succeeded in growing it in good form in 1897 and 1898 in a vacant

lot in St. Paul, from which 6 to 8 feet of surface soil had been removed

a short time previously. The subsoil was so sandy that it would almost

have answered for building uses.

This clover will probably grow with least success on soils of the

prairie so light in texture as to lift with the winds, and in which the

underlying clay is several feet from the surface, also in slough soils

that are much saturated with water.

Since it grows vigorously on road sides, in rocky waste places and even

in brick yards when sown without a covering, the idea has gained

currency that the harder the soil, the better the plants will grow, and

the more surely will they be established in the soil; but this view does

not seem to be in accord with the principles which usually govern plant

growth. It will, however, send its roots down into hard subsoils so

deeply that in certain seasons the plants could not be dug up without

the aid of a pick.

=Place in the Rotation.=--Since sweet clover seed is more commonly

scattered in byplaces, or is self-sown from plants that have run wild,

it can scarcely be said that it has ever been grown as a regular crop

and in a regular rotation. Nor is it ever likely to become a factor in

such a rotation unless its properties shall be so modified that it can

be grown acceptably as a pasture plant. In such an event it would have

the same place in the rotation as other clovers; that is, it would

naturally follow a cultivated, that is, a cleaning crop, and precede

some crop or a succession of crops that would profit from the nitrogen

and humus which it had brought to the soil, and also from the influence

which the roots would exercise mechanically upon the same. But the

necessity for sowing it on clean ground would not be so great as with

the other clovers, since it has greater power than these to overshadow

weeds when the two grow together.

In the meantime, this plant will probably continue to be grown as in the

past; that is, if sown, it will be sown: 1. In byplaces to provide

pasture for bees, in which case in time it will be superseded by other

plants. 2. On worn lands so poor that they refuse to grow valuable food

products sown, partly, at least, with a view to renovate them. And 3. In

cuttings made by railroads and in gullies that have been made in fields,

with a view to prevent soil movement. It may also come to be sown in

grain crops in localities where other varieties of clover will not grow,

to be plowed under the following spring.

=Preparing the Soil.=--Since sweet clover will grow on the firmest and

most forbidding soils, even when self-sown, it would not seem necessary,

ordinarily, to spend much time in specially preparing a seed-bed for it.

The fact stated is proof of its ability to grow on a firm surface. It

does not follow, however, that such a condition of the seed-bed will

give a better stand of the plants than a pulverized condition of the

same, as some have contended. It may be that on soils that are quite

loose near the surface, and under conditions that incline to dry a

seed-bed firm and even hard, may be more conductive to growth in the

plants than one in which the conditions are the opposite. Much rolling

of loose soils has been recommended when preparing the seed-bed with a

view to firm them.

When the seed is sown along with grain, the preparation of the soil

needed for grain would be ample preparation also for the clover. When

sown on stubble land, in many instances no preparation by way of

stirring the soil would seem necessary. And when sown on railroad

embankments, road sides, rocky situations and byplaces generally no

preparation of the soil would be possible.

=Sowing.=--In the North sweet clover is best sown in the spring. In

fact, it can only be sown then with the assurance that it will survive

the winter north of a certain limit. That limit will vary with altitude,

but it will probably run irregularly across the Middle States, from the

Atlantic westward to the Cascade Mountains, beyond which it will veer

away to the North. In the Southern States, it may be sown fall or

spring, but if sown late in the fall the young plants will in some

instances succumb to the frost of winter. Early fall sowing, therefore,

is much to be preferred to sowing late.

The method of sowing may be the same as in sowing medium red clover (see

page 78); that is, when the seed is sown with grain crops. When sown in

byplaces, it will ordinarily be sown by hand. In such places it will

re-seed itself and will likely grow in these for successive seasons. On

railroad embankments, the seed is scattered more commonly on the upper

portion, and from the plants which grow there the seeds produced scatter

downward. The plants not only lessen washing in the soil, but they

prepare the same for the growth of grasses. They also aid thus in the

introduction of grasses into rocky and very hard soils.

Sweet clover may be sown with almost any kind of a nurse crop desired,

which does not destroy it with an over-abundant shade. Or it may be sown

alone where such a necessity exists. But the instances are not numerous

in which it would be desirable or necessary to sow it alone on arable

soils. There may be conditions when it could be sown successfully at the

time of the last cultivation given to corn and with a view to soil

enrichment.

Since sweet clover is seldom sown for the purpose of providing food for

live stock, it is not sown in mixtures, nor is it well adapted for being

sown thus, because of the large and luxuriant character of the growth,

which would tend to smother other plants sown along with it.

The amount of seed to sow has been variously stated at from 15 to 20

pounds per acre. The smaller amount should be enough for almost any

purpose, and a much smaller amount should suffice for sowing in byplaces

and along road sides, where the plants retain possession of the ground

through self-seeding.

=Pasturing.=--Because of the bitter aromatic principle which it

contains, known as commarin, stock dislike it, especially at the first.

And it is questionable if they can be educated to like it in areas where

other food, which is more palatable, grows abundantly. In an experiment

directed by the author at the Minnesota University Experiment Station,

sheep pastured upon it, and did not take kindly to it; but by turning

them in to graze upon it in the morning, they cropped it down. In

localities where good grazing is not plentiful, if live stock have

access to it, especially when the plants are young, they will so crop it

down that in a few years it will entirely disappear. But where other

pastures are abundant, it will continue to grow indefinitely. It would

not seem wise to sow it for the purpose of providing grazing, unless

where the conditions for growing other and better grazing are

unfavorable.

Some have spoken favorably of sweet clover for soiling uses. It makes a

very rapid growth quite early in the season, and when cut and wilted

more or less before being fed, the palatability is thereby considerably

increased. Small plots of this plant near the outbuildings may in this

way be utilized with some advantage in the absence of better soiling

plants.

=Harvesting for Hay.=--Sweet clover is not a really good hay plant under

any conditions, and if not cut until it becomes woody, is practically

valueless for hay. It ought to be cut for hay a little before the stage

of bloom. If cutting is longer deferred, the plants become woody. Such

early cutting, however, adds much to the difficulty of curing the crop,

since, while naturally succulent, its succulence is then, of course,

considerably more than at a later period. It should be cured like medium

red clover. (See page 96.) If not cut sufficiently early, and cured with

as much care as is exercised in curing alfalfa, there will be

considerable loss from the shedding of the leaves.

More commonly the plants are not cut for hay the year that they are

sown, but some seasons such harvesting is entirely practicable in

certain situations. The hay crop or crops are usually taken the second

year. Sometimes the crop is cut twice. It is entirely practicable to

obtain two cuttings under ordinary conditions, because of the vigor in

the growth, and because of the early season at which it must be

harvested for hay. From 3 to 4 or 5 tons may thus be obtained in many

instances from the two cuttings.

=Securing Seed.=--Nearly all of the seed sown in this country is

imported. The author has not been able to obtain information with

reference to growing seed within the United States; hence, the inference

is fair that but little of it has been grown for that purpose up to the

present time. Since, however, it seeds freely, and since the price of

seed is high, seed crops, more especially when the plants are also

utilized as bee pasture, ought to prove remunerative in the hands of

judicious growers.

The seed crop is obtained usually, if not always, the second year after

the sowing. If cut for hay before coming into bloom, it will grow up

again and bear seed profusely. This would seem preferable on strong

soils, as it would prevent that rankness in growth which would militate

against abundant seed production, and which would add much to the labor

of handling the crop.

The seed crop may be cut and handled in substantially the same way as

medium red clover when grown for seed. It may also be cured and thrashed

essentially in the same way. (See page 105.) The author has not been

able to obtain information with reference to the average yield of the

seed crop under American conditions. The seed, like that of the medium

red variety, should weigh 60 pounds per bushel.

=Renewing.=--In the sense of a pasture or hay crop, it would not seem

necessary to try to renew this crop, because of the relatively low value

which it possesses for these uses. When grown for bee pasture, it will

renew itself for an indefinite period when the plants are not cut for

seed and where the conditions are favorable to growth. When grown to

keep soils from washing or railroad embankments from breaking down, it

will, of course, renew itself in the same way. In time, however, it is

usually superseded by some kind of grass, for which it has prepared the

way by the ameliorating and renewing influence which it exerts upon the

soil.

=Value for Bee Pasture.=--All authorities are agreed as to the high

value of this plant as a honey producer. The claim has been made for it

that for such a use it is more valuable acre for acre than any ordinary

grain crop. By cutting a part of the crop before it comes into bloom,

the season of honey production may be prolonged from, say, July 1st

until some time in the autumn, as the part thus cut will come into bloom

after the blooms have left the plants that were cut. When not disturbed,

sweet clover yields honey in the interval between the blooming of the

basswood and the golden rod. The honey is of excellent quality. There

should be no good reasons, therefore, why bee-keepers should not sow the

seed in by and waste places. But the wisdom of growing it as a

honey-producing crop on valuable land where other honey crops, as alsike

and white clover, can be grown in good form may be questioned.

=Value as a Fertilizer.=--The high value of this plant as a fertilizer

and soil improver cannot be questioned. But whether it should ever be

sown for such a use will depend on the capacity of the soil to produce

other crops valuable for fertilizing and also more valuable for

producing forage or fodder. Where other clovers more useful can be

grown, also cow peas, soy beans and other legumes valuable for food

uses, it would seem unwise to sow sweet clover. This would restrict its

use, therefore, as a soil renovator; first, to soils too poor to grow

those useful legumes; second, to areas where the climate conditions will

not admit of the growth of these; and third, to areas from which the

surface soil has been removed, and which it is desirable to so

ameliorate and improve the soil thus laid bare that it could later be

covered with some more valuable cover crop. Under present conditions

this would restrict its growth for the purpose named to sandy and

gravelly soils, to certain areas in the semi-arid region east of the

Rocky Mountains, and to such small areas as the surface soil had been

removed from.

In the semi-arid region where crops of grain and also some varieties of

field corn can be grown successfully, but where the clovers are not

successful; it would seem practicable to sow a few pounds of sweet

clover seed per acre at the same time as the grains, and to plow under

the plants produced some time in the month of May the next season. The

clover thus buried could be at once followed by corn or potatoes, or,

indeed, by any kind of a cleaning crop. The high price of seed at

present practically forbids growing clover thus.

Whether sweet clover grown for renovating uses should be turned under

the season in which it has been sown will depend largely on the growth

that has been made. In many instances, the growth made is so rank as to

justify plowing it under the following autumn. In other instances,

better results will follow plowing it under the next season. It

frequently happens that the growth made is so rank that a strong plow

and also a strong team are necessary to do the work properly.

=Value on Alkali soils.=--This plant has been grown to some extent to

aid in removing alkali from soils superabundantly impregnated with the

same. It will grow, it is claimed, under certain conditions on such

soils so surcharged with alkali as to prohibit almost every other form

of vegetable growth. The extent to which it may be thus used profitably

had not yet been fully demonstrated. But where it can be grown on such

soils, the fact that it takes up and removes relatively large quantities

of alkali would appear to be well established.

=Destroying the Plants.=--Should the conditions be found so favorable to

the growth of the plant that it persists in growing where it is not

wanted, it will soon cease to appear, if prevented from going to seed.

Ordinarily, the blossoms appear only during the second year of growth.

If, therefore, the plants are cut off when in bloom, seed forming will

not only be prevented, but since sweet clover is a biennial, the plants

will die. When thus dealt with, the only source from which other plants

may come while extermination is being thus sought is from seed lodged in

the soil and still capable of germinating.

CHAPTER XII

MISCELLANEOUS VARIETIES OF CLOVER

In addition to the varieties of clover that have been discussed at some

length in previous chapters are a number the value of which may be

considerable to areas more or less local and limited. These include

Sainfoin, Egyptian clover, Yellow clover, Sand lucerne, Japanese clover,

Beggarweed and Seaside clover. Some of these, as Sainfoin and Buffalo

clover, have been in the country for several years, and yet but little

is known as to their behavior, except in very limited areas. Others, as

Buffalo clover, native to the country are thought to have merit, and yet

the degree of such merit does not appear to have been yet proved under

cultivation. The three varieties but recently introduced are thought to

have considerable promise for certain soils and climates to which they

have special adaptation, but sufficient trial has not been given them to

determine even approximately the measure of their worth to this country.

These varieties will now be discussed, but for the reasons stated above

it will be manifest that the discussion will of necessity be imperfect

and fragmentary in character.

SAINFOIN

Sainfoin (_Onobrychis sativa_) is a perennial, leguminous, clover-like

forage plant of the bean family. The word Sainfoin is equivalent to the

French words for sound or wholesome hay. It is also frequently called

Esparcette or Asperset, more especially in Germany. It is further known

in England by the name Cock's Head, French Grass and Medick Vetchling.

In some parts of France and Switzerland the name has been and probably

is yet applied to lucerne (_Medicago sativa_).

In its habit of growth it is more woody in the rootstock than clover and

more branched. It also grows to a greater average height. The stems,

which are covered with fine hairs, bear numerous leaves long and

pinnate. The blossoms are numerous and of an attractive, pinkish color,

brightening into a crimson tint. The seed pods are flattened from side

to side and wrinkled, and are also sickle-shaped. They bear but one

seed. The roots are strong and more or less branched.

Sainfoin, as already intimated, is perennial in its habit of growth.

When a field is once well set with the plants, it should continue to

produce crops for a decade, but will eventually be crowded out with

weeds or other grasses. It grows very early in the season, quite as

early, if not earlier, than alfalfa, and continues to grow until autumn.

The feeding value of sainfoin is much the same as that of alfalfa. It is

much esteemed where it can be grown for the production of pasture, of

soiling food, and also hay, valuable for enriching the land, through the

medium of the roots, and also when the tops are plowed under as green

manure.

Sainfoin is native throughout the whole of Central Europe and over

much of Siberia. Although native to the southern counties of England, it

does not appear to have been cultivated there before the year 1651, at

which time it is said to have been introduced from Flanders. From what

has been said with reference to the distribution of sainfoin in Europe

and Asia, it will be apparent that it is a hardy plant, which has

highest adaptation for climates temperate and mild to moderately cool.

Its hardihood has been shown by its surviving the winters in the

latitude of the St. Lawrence River, but the abundant snow covering then

provided should not be lost sight of.

[Illustration: Fig. 10. Sainfoin (_Onobrychis sativa_)

Oregon Experiment Station]

Its adaptation to the United States does not appear to have been proved

yet, except in limited areas. In some of the Montana valleys good crops

have been grown with much success in many of those western valleys, and

even on the bench lands at the base of foothills. Nor would there seem

to be any good reasons for supposing that good crops could not be grown

in various parts of the United States where the soil is suitable.

In Canada, sainfoin has succeeded in Quebec. In trials made by the

author at the Ontario Agricultural College at Guelph success was only

partial, but the trials were limited. There would seem to be no good

reasons why this plant should not succeed in many places in Canada where

limestone soils prevail.

This plant is best adapted to dry soils calcareous in their composition

and somewhat porous in character. This explains its great affinity for

the chalk soils which abound in the south of England. On the dry,

limestone soils of this country it ought to succeed. It has shown much

adaptation for the volcanic soils of the Western mountain region, where

it has been tried. On stiff clays it grows too slowly to be entirely

satisfactory. It ought not to be sown on soils wet or swampy in

character.

Since sainfoin is perennial in its habit of growth, and since, when once

well set, it will retain its hold upon the soil for several years, it is

not in the strict sense of the term a rotation plant. When it is grown,

however, it should be followed by crops which require large quantities

of nitrogen easily accessible, to enable them to complete their growth.

If this plant should ever be grown to any considerable extent in the

mountain States, much that has been said with reference to the place for

alfalfa in the rotation will also apply to sainfoin. (See page 135.)

It has been found more difficult to get a good stand of sainfoin plants

than of other varieties of the clover family. This is owing to the low

germinating power frequently found in the seed. The stand of plants is

frequently found to be too thin and scattering. Weeds, therefore, and

sometimes grasses are much liable to come into the soil occupied by the

sainfoin and to crowd the same. Because of this it is specially

important that sainfoin shall be sown on a clean seed-bed.

The seed is very frequently sown in the hull, and usually in the early

spring. But there would seem to be no reasons why the seed should not be

sown in the early autumn in localities where alfalfa can be sown thus.

(See page 145.) In the rough form, it is usually broadcasted by hand,

but would probably also feed through a seed drill. When sown apart from

the hull, the seed may be sown by the same methods as alfalfa. (See page

147.) In the rough form, from 3 to 5 bushels per acre are sown. In the

clean form, it is claimed that 40 pounds of seed should be sown, but

that amount of clean and good seed would seem to be excessive on

well-prepared land. The seed in the hull weighs 26 pounds per bushel.

The plan of sowing 2 to 3 pounds per acre of the seed of alsike clover

along with the sainfoin would doubtless be found helpful under some

conditions, as it would tend to thicken the crop, more especially the

first season.

Sainfoin is a good pasture plant when properly grazed. It does not

produce bloat in cattle or sheep as alfalfa does. In this fact is found

one of the strongest reason why it should be grown in areas where

alfalfa is wanted for pasture. It will furnish grazing about as early as

alfalfa, and considerably earlier than medium red clover.

This plant is more frequently grown for soiling food than for hay. For

the former use it has high adaptation, since it will furnish several

cuttings of soiling food per season. It will also furnish two cuttings

of hay, or one of hay and one of seed, and under some conditions more

than two cuttings can be obtained. In the latitude of Montreal it is

ready to be cut for hay during the early days of June. It is ready for

being cut when the blossoms begin to expand. Much care is necessary in

curing the hay, in order to prevent the too free shedding of the leaves.

The methods for making alfalfa hay will apply also to sainfoin.

Seed may be obtained from the first or second cutting of the crop. It is

usually obtained from the second cutting, as the yield is much larger

than that obtained from the first cutting. The author has not been able

to obtain any facts based on experience regarding the harvesting of the

seed crop under American field conditions. But the methods followed in

obtaining seed from alfalfa would probably also answer equally well for

sainfoin. Great care is necessary in handling the seed crop, owing to

the ease with which the seed shatters. Special pains are also necessary

to keep the germinating power of the seed from injury from overheating.

Nor does the seed seem able to retain germinating power as long as the

seeds of some other varieties of clover. In experiments conducted by

Professor C. A. Zavitz at the Ontario Experiment Station at Guelph in

1902 and 1903, the average yield per acre was 426.1 pounds.

EGYPTIAN CLOVER

Egyptian clover (_Trifolium Alexandrianum_) is more commonly known in

the Nile valley as Berseem. It is of at least three varieties. These are

the Muscowi, Fachl and Saida, all of which are more or less closely

related to medium red clover. The term _Alexandrianum_ as applied above

is somewhat misleading, as its growth is not specially identified with

Alexandria, nor is its growth in Egypt supposed to be of great

antiquity, since no trace of it is found upon the ancient monuments.

The Muscowi variety, which is commonly grown more especially in lower

Egypt, sometimes grows to the height of 5 feet and over, but usually it

is not more than half the height named. In its habit of growth it is

rather upright, like alfalfa, but the hollow stems are softer and more

succulent, and the blossoms occur on heads resembling those of clover,

but not so compactly formed, and they are white in color. The seeds bear

a close resemblance to those of crimson clover. The roots are much

shorter, but more spreading in their habit of growth than those of

alfalfa, and in Egyptian soils they bear small tubercles abundantly.

This variety, which is usually grown on land that can be irrigated at

any season, produces in some instances 5 cuttings in a season. The Fachl

variety is usually grown on land irrigated by the basin system; that is,

the system which covers the land with water but once a year, and for a

period more or less prolonged. But one crop a year is taken from such

land. The hay from this variety is heavier for the bulk than that of the

Muscowi. The Saida variety is of a lower habit of growth than the

Muscowi and has a longer tap root, which enables it to stand drought

better than the Muscowi. It is more commonly sown in Egypt southward

from Cairo.

All these varieties are annual. The period of growth covered by any one

of them is never more than 9 months, and usually not more than 6

months; that is to say, from October to March. The Muscowi variety

especially grows very rapidly.

Egyptian clover in all its varieties is pre-eminently a soiling plant.

It is sometimes pastured and is also made into hay. It is practically

the one fodder crop of Egypt, and is more commonly fed in the green

form. All kinds of stock are fond of it, and it is fed freely to horses,

donkeys and camels at labor, to cows in milk, and to cattle that are

being fattened. It also serves to keep Egyptian soils supplied with

nitrogen, for the support of crops grown on them in summer, especially

cotton, and various kinds of grain. Moreover, because of the frequency

of the cuttings, with the Muscowi variety, its growth tends very much to

check the growth of weeds.

Egyptian clover is not native to Egypt, but was introduced from some

country outside of Egypt, yet bordering on the Mediterranean. This, at

least, is the view presented in Bulletin No. 23, issued by the Bureau of

Plant Industry, United States Department of Agriculture, from which

source much of what is written with reference to this plant has been

obtained. In Egypt more than 1,000,000 acres are grown annually. It is

also being tried, with much promise, in other portions of Northern

Africa, as Tunis and Algiers. It is also now being experimented with in

various parts of the Southern and Southwestern States.

Egyptian clover is only adapted to a warm climate. In those parts of the

United States which have a climate not unlike that of Egypt, in many

respects, as Florida, Southern Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, it may

have an important mission. It may yet be grown in these areas, or some

of them, where irrigation is practiced in conjunction with cotton, or

with certain of the cereals. If it can be thus grown, it will prove of

much value, as it would only occupy the land when not occupied by the

crops usually grown in summer, and it would bring much fertility to the

same, in addition to the forage provided. Since in Tunis it has been

found that the plants have not been killed by cold 2 deg. below zero and in

Algiers 9 deg. below that point, the hope would seem to be justifiable that

this clover may yet be grown much further north than the States named.

If grown thus, however, it should not be as a substitute for alfalfa,

but rather to occupy the ground in winter when not producing otherwise.

It may yet be found that the Saida variety may have adaptation for some

localities in the West where irrigation cannot be practiced. This clover

is not likely to render any considerable service to any part of Canada,

because of the lack of adaptation in the climate.

Egyptian clover has highest adaptation for deposit soils, such as are

made by the settling of silt held in solution by waters that overflow.

In these it will grow with vigor, though they rest upon coarse sand or

even upon gravel not too near the surface. Irrigating waters to some

extent are necessary to grow the plants in best form, although, as

previously intimated, the Saida variety may yet be grown without the aid

of such waters. It is the first crop sown on reclaimed alkaline lands,

and growing it on these tends to remove the alkali and to sweeten and

otherwise improve the soils.

The place for this plant in the rotation is readily apparent. Like

crimson clover, it is clearly a catch crop, as it were, and a winter

plant, but with the difference that it grows much more rapidly under

suitable conditions and furnishes much more food. The advantage of

growing it northward in the Western mountain valleys when sown in

spring, as intimated by the writer of the bulletin already referred to,

would seem to be at least problematical, since it could not be sown

early enough in the spring to produce a crop as early as alfalfa already

established. It would then be grown also as the crop of the season,

rather than as a catch crop. The place for Egyptian clover in the

rotation is clearly that of a winter crop, to provide soiling food for

stock and plant food for the land, which may be utilized by the summer

crop that follows.

In Egypt the seed is frequently sown on the silt deposited by the waters

that have subsided and before it would be dry enough to plow. At other

times, it is sowed on land stirred on the surface to a greater or less

depth, and sprouted through the aid of irrigating waters. In the valleys

of the West that preparation of the soil found suitable for alfalfa

would also, doubtless, be found suitable for this clover.

The seed is sown in the autumn in Egypt, usually in October, but the

season of sowing lasts from September to January, and some crops have

been obtained sown as late as April 1st, but when sown late, the number

of the cuttings is reduced and the occupancy of the soil by the clover

interferes with the growing of other crops. Under American conditions,

it will doubtless be found that the best season for sowing Egyptian

clover will be just after the removal of the crop that occupied the land

in summer. The seed is usually sowed by hand and without admixture, but

the Fachl variety is sown in some instances with wheat or barley when

seed is wanted. The methods of sowing found suitable for alfalfa would

also seem to be proper for sowing Egyptian clover. (See page 78.) As

much as one bushel of seed is sown per acre, but it is thought that a

less amount will suffice under good methods of tillage.

Egyptian clover is sometimes pastured, but it has higher adaptation to

soiling, because of the softness of the stems. When pastured reasonably

close, cropping would probably be preferable, as there would then be

less waste from the treading of the plants. Nevertheless, in Egypt

considerable quantities of the hay are stored for feeding in the summer

months when green fodder is scarce.

Egyptian clover is sometimes made into hay, but it is not essentially a

hay plant. Much care is necessary when it is being cured to prevent loss

in the leaves, and when cured the stems are so brittle that it is

difficult to prevent waste in handling the hay. It is pre-eminently a

soiling crop, and the greater portion is fed in the green form. From 4

cuttings of the Muscowi variety as much as 25 to 30 tons of green

fodder are harvested, and about 10 tons are produced by 2 cuttings of

the Saida variety.

Egyptian clover has not been grown sufficiently long in this country to

justify giving information based upon American experience that could be

taken as authoritative, with reference to the best methods of harvesting

the seed crop. There would seem to be no reasons, however, to suppose

that the methods followed in harvesting alfalfa could not be followed

with equal advantage in harvesting Egyptian clover. Nor can anything be

said as yet with reference to which cutting of the series will furnish

the best seed crop.

The best service, probably, which this crop can render to the United

States is the enrichment of the soils on which the plants are grown. As

the same bacteria which inoculate alfalfa soils will not answer for

Egyptian clover, and as the requisite bacteria may not be found in soils

where it is desirable to grow this clover, the conclusion that it will

not grow sufficiently well in certain soils on which it is being tried

should not be reached until the question relating to the presence or

absence of the proper bacteria has been settled. If necessary to

introduce bacteria from Egypt, the obstacles in the way of such

introduction would not be at all serious, if undertaken by the

Department of Agriculture.

YELLOW CLOVER

Yellow clover (_Medicago lupulina_) is to be carefully distinguished

from Hop clover (_Medicago procumbens_), which it resembles so closely

in the form of the leaves and the color of the bloom as to have given

rise in some instances to the interchangeable use of the names. The

latter is so named from the resemblance of the withered head when ripe

to a bunch of hops. Its growth has been almost entirely superseded by

_Medicago lupulina_, since the other variety was low in production and

also in nutrition. _Medicago lupulina_ is also called Black Medick,

Nonesuch, Black Nonesuch and Hop Trefoil. In both England and Germany it

is now more commonly grown than white clover. It is more or less

recumbent in its habit of growth, but the stems do not root as do the

runners in the small white variety. The stems, though tender in the

early spring, become woody as the season advances. The flowers, as the

name would indicate, are yellow, and the plants produce seed numerously.

The roots, like those of the small white variety, are more fibrous than

in some of the larger varieties.

Yellow clover is perennial. Owing to the power which the plants have to

multiply through rooting and re-seeding, they can stay indefinitely in

congenial soils. The growth is vigorous in the early part of the season,

but less so later, and with the advance of the season the herbage

produced becomes more woody in character.

This plant furnishes considerable pasture during the spring months, but

in the summer and autumn it makes but little growth. Though palatable

early in the season, it is less so later. Nevertheless, it may be made

to add materially to the produce of pastures in which it grows. It also

aids in fertilizing the soil, though probably not quite to the same

extent as white clover.

Yellow clover is indigenous to Europe. It is grown to a considerable

extent in pastures in certain areas in Great Britain, France, Germany

and other countries. It has highest adaptation for climates that are

moist and temperate. Although this plant is not extensively grown in the

United States, it would seem probable that it will grow at least

reasonably well in a majority of the States. The exceptions will be

those lacking in moisture in the absence of irrigation. It will grow

best in those that more properly lie within the clover belt; that is, in

those that lie northward. It grows with much vigor in Oregon and

Washington west of the Cascade Mountains. In Canada, yellow clover will

grow with much vigor in all areas susceptible of cultivation, unless on

certain of the western prairies.

Yellow clover has highest adaptation for calcareous soils. In certain

parts of England it has grown so vigorously on soils rich in lime as

almost to assume the character of a troublesome weed. It will grow well

on all clay loam soils, and reasonably well on stiff clays, the climatic

conditions being suitable. It has greater power to grow on dry soils

than the small white variety.

Since yellow clover is usually grown as an adjunct to permanent

pastures, it can scarcely be called a rotation plant. But, like other

clovers, it enriches the soil, and, therefore, should be followed by

crops that are specially benefited by such enrichment, as, for

instance, the small cereal grains.

Yellow clover when sown is usually sown with other grass mixtures, and

along with grain as a nurse crop; hence, that preparation of the soil

suitable for the nurse crop will also be found suitable for the clover.

It is, moreover, a hardy plant, insomuch that in some instances, if the

seed is scattered over unplowed surfaces, as those of pastures, in the

early spring, a sufficient number of plants will be obtained to

eventually establish the clover through self-seeding.

The seed is usually sown in the early spring, but in mild latitudes it

may also be sown in the early autumn. It may be sown by the same methods

as other clovers. (See page 267.) It is usually sown to provide pasture,

the seed being mixed with that of other pasture plants before being

sown. As the plants, like those of the small white variety, have much

power to increase rather than decrease in pastures, it is not necessary

to sow large quantities of seed, not more usually than 1 pound to the

acre. But should the crops be wanted for seed, then not fewer than 3 to

5 pounds per acre should be sown and without admixture with other

grasses or clovers. When the plants once obtain a footing on congenial

soils, there is usually enough of seed in the soil to make a sufficient

stand of the plants in pastures without sowing any seed, but since the

seed is usually relatively cheap, where an insufficient supply in the

soil is suspected, more or less seed should be sown.

Since the stems of yellow clover plants become tough as the season of

growth becomes considerably advanced, where it forms a considerable

proportion of the pasture the aim should be to graze most heavily during

the early part of the season. The plants do not make much growth during

the autumn. It would probably be correct to say that it can grow under

conditions more dry than are suitable for white clover, and,

consequently, it is more uniformly prominent in evidence in permanent

pastures when it has become established.

Yellow clover is not a really good hay plant, owing to its lack of

bulkiness. But in some soils its presence may add considerably to the

weight of a crop of hay, of which it is a factor.

This plant produces seed freely. The seeds are dark in color and weigh

60 pounds to the bushel. The seed matures early, usually in June or

July, according to locality. The methods of harvesting, threshing and

preparing the seed for market are substantially the same as those

adapted in handling small white clover. (See page 272.)

While yellow clover is not the equal of the small white clover in

adaptation to our conditions, it would seem that there are no reasons

why it should not be sown to a greater extent than it is sown under

American conditions. A plant that is so hardy, that provides a

considerable quantity of reasonably good pasture, that stores nitrogen

in the soil, and that, moreover, does not stay in the soil to the extent

of injuring crops that follow the breaking up of the pastures, should

certainly be encouraged to grow.

SAND LUCERNE

Sand Lucerne (_Medicago media_), sometimes designated _Medicago

falcata_, is probably simply a variety of the common alfalfa (_Medicago

sativa_). Some botanists, however, look upon these as two distinct

species. Others believe that _Medicago sativa_, with blossoms ranging

from blue to violet purple, and _Medicago falcata_, with yellow

blossoms, are two distinct species, while _Medicago media_, with

blossoms ranging from bluish and purple to lemon yellow, is a hybrid

between these. The name Sand Lucerne has doubtless been given to this

plant because of the power which it has to grow in sandy soils.

Sand lucerne is so nearly like common alfalfa in appearance and habits

of growth, that until the blossoming season, careless observers cannot

distinguish between the plants. (See page 114.) Sand lucerne, however,

has a more spreading habit of growth than common alfalfa, the seed-pods

are less coiled and the seeds are lighter. The root system is strong and

the roots are probably more branched than those of ordinary alfalfa.

Under Michigan experience, given in Bulletin No. 198 of the Michigan

Experiment Station, it has shown considerably higher adaptation to

light, sandy and gravelly soils than the former. The feeding properties

of sand lucerne would not seem to be far different from those of common

alfalfa (see page 119), but it is claimed that the former is

considerably less liable to produce bloat in cattle and sheep than the

latter.

Sand lucerne is probably native to Europe and Asia. Some attention is

given to growing it in Germany, the principal source from which comes

supplies of seed at the present time. It was introduced into Michigan by

the experiment station of that State in 1897, and its behavior in

several trials made to grow it on sandy and gravelly soils in various

places, has, on the whole, been encouraging.

Since this variety, like the Turkestan, being considerably hardier than

common alfalfa, can undoubtedly be grown further north than the latter,

there would seem to be no reasons at the same time why sand lucerne

would not grow satisfactorily on sandy soils that lie far south, but

this does not seem as yet to have been proved by actual demonstration.

It is possible, therefore, that this plant may render considerable

service to areas scattered over considerable portions of the United

States and Canada, in which the soil is light.

While sand lucerne has higher adaptation than common alfalfa for sandy

and gravelly soils, it does not follow that it has equal adaptation for

being grown on ordinary alfalfa soils. No advantage, however, would

result from growing sand lucerne where common alfalfa will grow equally

well, as it is not superior to the latter as a food, if, indeed, it is

equal to the same, and there would be a distinct disadvantage in the

greater cost of the seed of sand lucerne.

Sand lucerne is not any more a rotation plant than the common variety.

In fact, it is even less so, since it would not be practicable to

introduce it into short rotations when grown in northerly latitudes, as

it does not reach a maximum growth for several years after the seed has

been sown. But in mild latitudes, it may be found practicable to

introduce it into short rotations, like other alfalfa (see page 135),

and on land that is too sandy to grow the common variety in the best

form.

Much of what has been said about the preparation of the soil for common

alfalfa will equally apply to the preparation of the same for sand

lucerne. (See page 137.) But when the latter is sown on sandy or

gravelly land, a moist condition of the seed-bed at the time of sowing

is even more important than when sowing common alfalfa under ordinary

conditions.

The same methods of sowing the seed will be in order as are suitable for

sowing common alfalfa in any particular locality. (See page 147.) This

will mean that in Northern areas sand lucerne can best be sown in the

spring and as early as the danger from frost is over, that the plants

may get as much benefit as possible from the moisture in the soil before

dry weather begins. It will also mean that if sown southward in the

autumn, it may in some instances be necessary to wait longer for the

sandy soils on which the seed is sown to become sufficiently moist to

sprout the seed than for such a condition in soils on which common

alfalfa is usually sown. The amounts of seed to sow will also be

practically the same. (See page 152.)

The adaptation of sand lucerne for providing pasture is as high, if not,

indeed, higher, than that of common alfalfa, since it is said that it

has less tendency to produce bloat in cattle and sheep, and it is not

so easily destroyed, at least in Northern areas, by grazing. In

providing pasture, its higher adaptation is in furnishing the same for

cattle, swine and horses.

With ample moisture, even as far north as Lansing, Michigan, three crops

of hay may ordinarily be looked for. At the Michigan Experiment Station,

sand lucerne sown in 1897 yielded cured: In 1898, at the rate of 6800

pounds per acre; in 1899, 10,580 pounds; in 1900, 12,310 pounds; and in

1901, 13,839 pounds. The methods of cutting and curing are the same as

for other varieties of alfalfa. (See page 170.) The quality of the hay

is not far different from that of common alfalfa. If there is a

difference, it would, perhaps, be a little against the sand lucerne,

owing to the nature of the land producing it. For soiling food, it may

be handled in the same way as common alfalfa. (See page 166.)

No further information would seem to be available with reference to the

production of seed in the United States than the statement that the

efforts to grow it in Michigan had not been altogether successful. The

question thus raised has an important bearing on the future growth of

the plant, as, if seed is to be imported from Europe when sand lucerne

is to be sown, the expense of securing seed is likely to militate

against extending its growth. It is probable, however, that this

difficulty will be overcome through the more perfect acclimation of the

plants in the North, or by growing seed from the same in Western areas

which have shown higher adaptation to the production of alfalfa seed.

The value of sand lucerne in fertilizing sandy and gravelly soils in

this country may yet be very considerable. Its value in putting humus

into the same may prove equally high. This value will arise chiefly from

its greater ability to grow on such soils than various other legumes.

When sown primarily for such a use, heavy seeding would seem to be

preferable to ordinary seeding.

JAPANESE CLOVER

The United States Department of Agriculture has quite recently

introduced a variety of clover known botanically as _Lespedeza bicolor_.

In 1902 small lots of seed were distributed to ascertain the value of

the plant grown under American conditions. Sufficient time has not yet

elapsed to prove its value, but the indications encourage the belief

that it will be of some agricultural value under certain conditions.

This variety of clover is more erect and less branched in its habit of

growth than the Japanese variety _Lespedeza striata_. Under Michigan

conditions it was found to grow to the height of 3 feet on sandy soil

and to about half that height on clay soil, the seed having been sown

about the middle of May. The stalks are about the same in structure as

those of alfalfa, and like alfalfa they do not lodge readily. The leaves

are ovate in form and of a pea-green tint. The seed is formed in pods

resembling those of lentils, only smaller. The seeds are larger than

those of crimson clover and are oblong in shape. In color they are

mottled brown, yellow and green. The roots in the Michigan test produced

nodules freely and without inoculating the soil by any artificial means.

The plants in the same tests were killed to the ground by early October

frosts.

This variety, like that grown so freely in the Southern States, is an

annual. In the absence of experience in growing it under varied

conditions, it would be premature to dwell upon its value. If it should

grow readily on sandy land, as the Michigan test would seem to indicate,

it would render substantial service in fertilizing such soils. In the

grass garden of the Department of Agriculture at Washington, D. C., its

behavior has been such as to encourage making further tests.

FLORIDA CLOVER

Florida clover (_Desmodium tortuosum_) is sometimes grown both for hay

and pasture, more especially in the Gulf States. It has been designated

botanically _Desmodium molle_, and is also known by the common names

Beggar Weed, Giant Beggar Weed, Beggar Ticks and Tickweed. The name

Florida Clover has been given to it because of its prevalence on the

light soils of Florida. The name "beggar" has probably been applied to

this plant because of its relation to poverty in soils, in which it is

more commonly grown, and the name "ticks" from the clinging habit of the

seed-pods to surfaces with which they come in contact.

Beggar Weed is an erect and branching plant, which grows from 2 to 10

feet high. The branches are woody in character, especially in the lower

parts, which prevents close cropping by animals grazing on the plants.

The trifoliate leaves are numerous, especially on the upper portions.

The panicle is erect and is considerably branched. The pods are prickly

and have many joints. These break asunder when matured, and are

frequently distributed by adhering to the covering of animals and the

clothing of men. The strong, spreading roots have much power to gather

food in the soil and also to enrich the same by means of the tubercles

formed on the roots.

[Illustration: Fig. 11. Beggar Weed or Florida Clover

(_Desmodium tortuosum_) (Flower and Seed Stems)

North Carolina Experiment Station]

This plant grows only in warm weather, and it is able to withstand much

drought. Its value for pasture and hay would seem to depend considerably

on the stage of growth at which it is grazed or harvested for hay. When

nearing maturity, stock do not relish it much, either as pasture or hay.

It is frequently classed as a weed, but in certain poor soils it has

been deemed worthy of cultivation.

Beggar weed is native to the West India Islands and also, it is thought,

to Southern Florida. In 1879 seeds were distributed by the Department of

Agriculture. It is now grown more or less in the wild or cultivated form

in all the Gulf States. While it may be successfully grown as far north

as the Ohio River, it is not probable that it will be sown far north of

any of the Gulf States, since other fodder plants more valuable in

producing food can be grown to supply the wants of live stock. At the

Minnesota University Experiment Farm, the author sowed seed in May.

The plants came into bloom in September, but did not mature any seed.

[Illustration: Fig. 12. Beggar Weed

(_Desmodium tortuosum_) (Root System)

North Carolina Experiment Station]

Beggar weed will grow on almost any kind of soil reasonably free from an

excess of ground moisture. Its power to grow on poor and light soils,

even light enough to lift with the wind, is very considerable. Its

highest use will probably be found on soils so light and sterile that

better forms of useful vegetation are not easily grown on them.

It can scarcely be called a rotation plant, since it more commonly grows

in the wild form, and on lands so poor as to be considered unprofitable

for regular cropping. But when cultivated, it should be followed by some

crop that can make a good use of the nitrogen left in the soil in the

tubercles formed on the roots of the beggar weed plants.

The soil does not, as a rule, require deep stirring when preparing it

for beggar weed. This fact finds demonstration in the ability of the

plants to re-seed the ground when grown for grazing.

The seed is usually sown in the Gulf States late in March or early in

April. It germinates slowly, and the plants make the most vigorous

growth after the weather becomes warm. The seed is more commonly

scattered broadcast, but may be drilled in, and at distances that will

or will not admit of cultivation as may be desired. Thick seeding is

preferable to prevent coarseness and woodiness in the growth of the

plants. Not less than 10 pounds of hulled seed per acre should be sown

in the broadcast form when sown for hay. When sown in drills, less seed

is required, but usually the seed is sown broadcast. In the hulled form,

in which the seed is more commonly sold, according to Professor H. H.

Hume, the measured bushel weighs 60 to 64 pounds, and with the hulls on,

from 10 to 40 pounds, the average weight, as purchased by dealers, being

about 20 pounds. The cleaned seed bears considerable resemblance to

clover seed.

All kinds of farm stock, as cattle, horses, mules, sheep and even swine,

are said to do well when grazing on beggar-weed pastures in the summer

and autumn. They do not usually graze it closely after it has been well

started, owing to the woody character of the stems. When thus cropped

back, it starts out afresh, and thus continues to produce grazing until

the arrival of frost. It is said that the pasture is of but little value

in winter. One strong point, however, in favor of such pastures, is the

ability of the plants to re-seed the land when not grazed too closely,

and thus to perpetuate the grazing from year to year.

No little diversity of opinion exists as to the value of this plant for

producing hay. Some growers speak highly of its palatability and

nutrition. Others speak of it as being of very little value as a hay

plant. This difference in opinion is doubtless due largely to cutting

the crop at different stages of growth. If allowed to become too

advanced before it is cut, the woody character of the hay would

doubtless make it unpalatable, whereas, if cut early, at least as early

as the showing of the first blooms, if not, indeed, earlier, it would be

eaten with a much greater relish. The yields of hay are said to usually

exceed 2 tons per acre.

The seed matures in September and October. The methods of saving the

seed have usually been of a somewhat primitive character, as by hand

when saved in small quantities. But there would seem to be no reason why

the seed crop could not be harvested by the binder.

Where alfalfa or cow peas can be successfully grown, either crop would

be preferable. But on some soils these are not a success, especially

when the first attempts are made to grow crops. The choice of hay may be

one between a crop of beggar weed and no crop at all. All are agreed as

to the renovation which it brings to soils; hence, when grown or allowed

to grow on unproductive soil for a few years and then plowed under, the

soil becomes productive. Since it grows late rather than early in the

season where the seed is in the land, it will not interfere with the

growth of the corn, but will come on later, and thus exert a beneficial

influence on the soil. But the fact should not be overlooked that beggar

weed once in the land has considerable power to stay there. In other

words, like sweet clover, it has some of the characteristics of a weed.

BUFFALO CLOVER

Buffalo clover (_Trifolium stoloniferum_) is a native species procumbent

in its habit of growth. The leaves are most abundant at the base of the

plants. The flower heads, about an inch in diameter, are rose colored,

and rise to the height of about one foot from the ground.

This variety, said to be perennial in its habit of growth, is probably

the same as _Trifolium reflexum_, said to be biennial in Kansas. Plants

are found growing wild in prairies, between forests, and in open

woodlands, from Kentucky on the east, to Kansas on the west. It is

thought that this clover would repay cultivation, but the author has not

been able to get any information bearing upon its behavior under

cultivation.

SEASIDE CLOVER

Seaside clover (_Trifolium invulneratum_) has rendered some service to

agriculture in what is known as the "Great Basin," which includes parts

of Oregon and Nevada. In Bulletin No. 15, Bureau of Plant Industry,

issued by the United States Department of Agriculture, it is referred to

as one of the most promising species for cultivation in that area. Under

the influence of irrigation it has spread, in one instance cited, into

sage brush soil, and there, along with timothy and red top, has aided in

producing fine crops. In, low, swampy, non-alkaline areas, it often

yields from 1/2 to 1-1/4 tons of hay per acre. It has been estimated

that with correct conditions it would be found about equal in producing

power and feeding value to alsike clover. It is at least questionable,

however, if it is likely to supersede to any considerable degree the

varieties already under general cultivation.

INDEX

Alfalfa

discussion of 114-193

described 114

distribution 120

soils 129

place in rotation 135

preparing the soil 137

sowing 145

cultivating 154

pasturing 155

as soiling food 166

harvesting for hay 170

storing 172

securing seed 179

renewing 184

sources of injury 187

as a fertilizer 191

Alsike clover

discussion of 194-217

described 194

distribution 197

soils 199

place in rotation 201

preparing the soil 202

sowing 204

pasturing 208

harvesting for hay 210

securing seed 212

renewing 216

Bloating 94

Buffalo clover

discussion of 344

Burr clover

discussion of 291-299

described 291

distribution 293

soils 293

place in the rotation 294

preparing the soil 295

sowing 295

pasturing 297

harvesting for hay 297

securing seed 297

renewing 298

as a fertilizer 298

Clover

introduction 1-5

definition 1

varieties 2

distinguishing characteristics 3

plan of discussion 4

Clover, general principles for growing

discussion of 6-56

adaptation in 6

place in the rotation 7

preparing the soil 11

fertilizers 13

seasons for sowing 16

methods of sowing 18

depth to bury the seed 21

sowing alone or in combinations 22

with or without a nurse crop 25

amounts of seed to sow 27

pasturing 29

harvesting 31

storing 33

feeding 35

renewing 37

as soil improvers 38

as a weed destroyer 43

clover sickness 45

possible improvement in 46

bacteria and clovers 47

Clovers, synonyms

Alexandrian 322

Alsace 194

Aspercet 317

Berseem 322

Beggar ticks 338

Beggar weed 338

Black Medic 329

Black Nonesuch 329

Bokhara 300

Branching 114

Broad-leaved 57

Burgundy 114

California 291

Chilian 114

Cocks head 317

Cow clover 218

Cow grass 218

Creeping Trifolium 258

Dutch 258

Elegant 194

Esparcette 317

Fachl 323

French clover 338

French grass 317

German 238

German mammoth 238

Giant beggar weed 338

Giant 218

Honeysuckle 258

Hop 328

Hop trefoil 329

Hybrid 194

Italian 238

Large 218

Lucerne (Alfalfa) 114

Mammoth 57

Meadow 218

Meadow trefoil 57

Medick vetchling 317

Mexican 114

Minnesota 118

Monthly 114

Muscowi 323

Nonesuch 329

Pea vine 218

Perennial 114

Perennial hybrid 194

Perennial red 218

Pod 194

Red perennial meadow 118

Rhenish 218

Saida 323

Sand Lucerne 118

Saplin 218

Shamrock 258

Sicilian 114

Soiling 218

Spotted Medick 291

Stem 114

Swedish 194

Styrian 114

Tall 218

Tickweed 338

Tree 300

Turkestan 118

Wavy stemmed 218

White Dutch 258

White Melilot 300

White Swedish 194

White trefoil 258

Winter 238

Yellow 291

Zigzag 218

Crimson clover

discussion of 238-257

described 238

distribution 241

soils 244

place in the rotation 245

preparing the soil 248

sowing 250

pasturing 252

harvesting for hay 253

securing seed 254

renewing 256

facts regarding 256

Dodder 190

Egyptian clover

discussion of 322-328

Florida clover

discussion of 338-344

Grasshoppers 189

Hoven 94

Inoculation, soil 53

Japan clover

discussion of 279-290

described 279

distribution 282

soils 283

place in the rotation 284

preparing the soil 285

sowing 285

pasturing 287

harvesting for hay 288

securing seed 289

renewing 290

new variety 337

Mammoth clover

discussion of 218-237

described 218

distribution 220

soils 222

place in the rotation 224

preparing the soil 226

sowing 227

pasturing 231

harvesting for hay 233

securing seed 234

renewing 236

compared with medium red 237

Medium red clover

discussion of 57-113

described 57

distribution 61

soils 65

place in the rotation 70

preparing the soil 74

sowing 75

pasturing 91

harvesting for hay 95

storing 100

securing seed 103

renewing 109

as a fertilizer 110

Micro-organisms 48

Nitragin 53

Nodules in clover plants 49

Root tubercles 50

Sand Lucerne

discussion of 333-337

Sainfoin

discussion of 316-322

Seaside clover

discussion of 345

Sweet clover

discussion of 300-315

described 300

distribution 303

soils 305

place in the rotation 306

preparing the soil 307

sowing 308

pasturing 309

harvesting for hay 310

securing seed 311

renewing 311

value for bee pasture 312

as a fertilizer 313

value on alkali soils 314

destroying the plants 314

Tubercles, root 50

Weeds troublesome 235

White clover

discussion of 258-278

described 258

distribution 261

soils 264

place in the rotation 265

preparing the soil 267

pasturing 270

harvesting for hay 271

securing seed 273

renewing 276

for lawns 277

as a honey plant 278

Yellow clover

discussion of 328-332

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Transcriber's Notes:

List of Illustrations: The number '2' was missing before 'Medium Red'.

Changed.

Page 53: The term 'nitragin' though an odd spelling and is capitalized

elsewhere, as it is a commercial name. Unchanged.

Page 60: The term 'adap s' is a typo for 'adapts'. Changed.

Page 69: The term 'throgh cropping' is a typo for 'through cropping'.

Changed.

Page 100: The phrase 'skilled workmen' is a typo for 'skilled workman'.

Changed.

Page 103: The term 'pollenization' may be a substitute for 'pollenation'

or 'pollination'. Unchanged.

Page 122: The term 'Sask' is apparently a substitute or abbreviation

here for the province of 'Saskatchewan'.

Page 124: The phrase 'western alleys' is a typo for western valleys.

Changed.

Page 124: The phrase 'largely de-depend' is a typo for 'largely depend'.

Changed.

Page 189: The phrase 'many instance' is a typo for 'many instances'.

Changed.

Page 197: The phrase 'with beekeepers' changed to 'with bee-keepers' to

be consistent with two other occurrences.

Page 229: The term 'Seee page 78' is a typo for 'See page 78'. Changed.

Page 309: The phrase 'ground through self-feeding' is a typo for 'ground

through self-seeding'. Changed.

Page 317: The term 'Asperset' is spelled 'Aspercet' in the index.

Unchanged. Couldn't determine correct spelling.

Page 326: The phrase 'it it clearly a catch crop' is a typo for 'it is

clearly a catch crop'. Changed.

Index Page 349: Although the term 'Sanfoin' is an acceptable alternate

spelling for 'Sainfoin', it doesn't match other occurrences in this

text. Changed.

Several instances of comma and periods either missing or interchanged in

original text have been fixed without listing each. They are obvious

errors.

Various: The term 'midsummer' is also spelled 'mid-summer' in this book.

Unchanged.

End of Transcriber's Notes.

End of Project Gutenberg's Clovers and How to Grow Them, by Thomas Shaw