18 



Milk vetches.— The seeds of several native species of milk vetches from the 

 Uocky Mountains and of two imported species were planted June 1. Of the 

 natives only one germinated at all, and that produced but a half dozen plants. 



Morton's milk vetch {Astragalus Mortoni Nutt?).— Plat lO-I-l was sown with 

 seed from the Division supply. Only a few came up, and these made but a 

 slow growth, although they did not appear to be affected by the heat— at least 

 the foliage was not injured. The plants are prostrate, forming round mats 

 about three feet across. On November 17 they were still growing, after severe 

 frosts, but had not flowered. This species is native to the Rocky Moiintains and 

 westward to the coast. It produces an abundance of foliage and may prove of 

 some value in that region. 



Astragalus falcatus Lam. — Two lots of French seed were sown June 1. Plat 

 10-1-4 was planted with S. P. I. No. 1448, and 10-1-6 and 7 with No. 5084. A 

 thin stand was secured and a slow growth resulted. October 16 the plants were 

 one foot high, fresh and healthy in appearance, but without flowers. Novem- 

 ber 17 they were unharmed by the heavy frosts. This species is native to the 

 Caucasus, and may prove of value in the Rocky Mountain region. 



Gtenge, rengeso {Astragalus sinicus'L.).— Flat 10-1-5 was planted with seed 

 from Japan (S. P. I. No. 3725). On June 11 a good stand had appeared. About 

 July 1, when the plants were only two inches high, they were checked and 

 burned by the heat, and recovered only slowly. October 16 the plat presented 

 a very healthy appearance. The plants were then six inches high and a few 

 clusters of blue flowers were out. November 17 flowers were still appearing, 

 but the upper leaves had been killed by frosts. The rest of the plant was 

 uninjured. 



C. R. Ball, 



Assistant in charge of Grass Oardens and 



Experiments within the District of Columbia. 

 Approved : 



James Wilson, Secretary. 

 Washington, D. C, December 13^ 1900. 



