OCTOBER 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 1920. 83 



52269 to 52280— Continued. 



52272. ViCIA HYBRIDA L. 



"An annual vetch, native to the Mediterranean region and requiring 

 about tlie same climatic conditions as the common vetch {Vicia sativa). 

 It is a less vigorous grower than either common or hairy vetch (V. 

 villosa) and for this reason less well adapted for growing under cul- 

 tivation. However, it may be of value for pasturage." {Roland McKee.) 



52273. Vicia macrocakpa Bertol. 



"Native to Europe and very closely allied to common vetch {Vicia 

 sativa). It has larger seed and heavier seed pods than connuon vetch, 

 but otherwise differs but little. The climatic and other requirements are 

 the same as for common vetch." {Roland McKee.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 18813. 



52274. Vicia pannonica Crantz. 



"Hungarian vetch. An annual vetch native to Europe and Asia. It 

 makes a less viny growth than common vetch {Vicia sativa) or hairy 

 vetch {V. villosa), but is a vigorous grower attaining a full stem 

 length of 2* to 3 feet. It is more winter hardy than common vetch and 

 will seldom winterkill as far north as Wasliington, D. C. This species 

 is especially adapted to poorly drained areas and is the be.st of the 

 vetches in this regard." {Roland McKee.) 



52275. Vicia atropurpueea Desf. Purple vetch. 

 See S. P. I. No. 52269 for description. 



52276. Vicia sativa L. 



" Common vetch. An annual, native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. 

 Many varieties have long been in cultivation. Most of these are well 

 adapted to the Pacific Coast States, but only^ few are winter hardy in 

 our Southern States. Common vetch is a little less viny than hairy 

 vetch and under favorable conditions attains a height of 3 to 4 feet. 

 It is well adapted for use as green manure, hay, and pasturage." 

 {Roland McKce.) 



52277. Vicia sativa leucospeuma (Moench) Seringe. 



" This subspecies includes the varieties of common vetch with light- 

 colored seeds, many of which are especially adapted in mild climates for 

 late winter or early spring planting. Except in the color of the seed, 

 they are quite like common vetch." {Roland McKee.) 



52278. Vicia sepium L. 



" Bush vetch. A perennial species native to Europe and Asia. It is 

 semiupright or bushy in habit. Stock of all kinds relish this species and 

 it affords good pasturage." {Roland McKee.) 



52279. Vicia sylvatica L. 



"A perennial species native to Europe, occurring in shaded woody situ- 

 ations. It is relished by stock and makes valuable pasturage." {Roland 

 McKee. ) 



52280. Vicia villosa Roth. 



" Hairy vetch is an annual native to western Asia, sometimes called 

 sand vetch or Russian vetch, and has been found adapted to nearly all 

 parts of the United States. It produces large crops of excellent hay, 

 but owing to its habit of growth is somewhat difficult to mow. In 

 drought resistance it is perhaps the best of the vetches. It will also 

 stand severe cold, so that it is rarely frozen out even in the northernmost 

 States. This makes it particularly valuable as a winter cover and green- 

 manure crop. Hairy vetch often volunteers and persists, and on this 

 account it is somewhat objectionable where wheat is grown. It is diffi- 

 cult to separate hairy vetch seed from wheat. Seed of hairy vetch 

 weighs 60 pounds to the bushel. A varying proportion of the seed is 

 hard, and this does not germinate for some months. Largely on this 

 account hairy vetch is inclined to persist where once planted. It gives 

 the best results when planted on well-tilled and well-drained land. It 

 may be cured as hay or used green as a soiling crop. For soiling pur- 

 poses a succession of crops can be maintained by sowing at various 



