8^ 



Kidnej^ vetch is not recommended for sowing in the United States, 

 except on jjoor, thin, calcareous or verj" sandy soils, which are too ster- 

 ile to support the red or crimson clovers, or any of the better forage 

 crops. It has been tried at a number of the experiment stations 

 throughout the United States, but has been reported as of small value. 



DAKOTA VETCH. 



{Lotus americanus, ) 



One of the most valuable leguminous plants of the vetch family 

 is Dakota vetch {Lotus americanus). It is a bushy annual found 



throughout the Rocky Mountain 

 region of the Northwest, being 

 most abundant upon the sandy 

 river bottoms. Stock of all kinds 

 are fond of it and it is used either 

 as pasturage or hay. In the upper 

 Missouri region it is one of the 

 most highly prized native forage 

 plants. Being an annual it must 

 be permitted to mature at least a 

 portion of its seed and consequently 

 should not be grazed too closely or 

 cut too early. The blooming sea- 

 son covers a considerable period, so 

 that buds, flowers and both mature 

 and green pods are often found 

 upon a plant at the same time. As 

 a rule many of the seeds are rip- 

 ened before the haying season ar- 

 rives and it is a common practice 

 among ranchers to use hay racks 

 with tight bottoms in order to save 

 the shattered seed, which later is 

 scattered or sown over the meadows. 

 The plant reseeds itself freely and 

 when once established voluntary 

 Fig. c— Dakota vetch (Littm aincricaims). crops are assured irom year to year. 



BIRD VETCH. 



{Vicia cracca). 



Bird vetch is a perennial species from Europe, where it is culti- 

 vated, and is used both for soiling and for hay. It is recommended 

 for cultivation in low meadows and especially in open woodlands. In 

 Germany it is often found in barren sheep pastures and is there 

 deemed especiallj^ valuable on account of its nutritive value, the fod- 

 der being especially rich in protein. 



Jared G. Smith, 

 Approved: Assistant Agrostologist. 



James Wilson, 



Secretary of Agriculture. 



Washington, D. C, April 15, 1898. 



