April 3, 1920.] 



Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. 



247 



not been known to mature seed. As is well known, the flower head of Straw- 

 berry clover, when about to mature seed, changes considerably in appearance, 

 the seeds becoming enclosed in inflated husks, giving the flower head the straw- 

 berry-like appearance which flrst suggested its name. In .Shearman's clover, 

 however, a close investigation shows that the flowers do not change their 

 appearance, but gradually wilt, shrivel and die. In one or two cases only has 

 there been a tendency in a few of the bottom flowers of the seed-head to 

 set seed, but such " seed " has remained empty and proved valueless. It is 

 just possible that by close attention a few seeds may be discovered, and if a 

 seeding strain can be thus developed the value of this fodder plant would be 

 considerably enhanced. 



Shearman's Clover (on the lelt) and Strawberry Clover (on the right), as grown at the 



Botanic Gardens, Sydney. 

 Note the similarity in habit ; Shearman's Clover, however, is much more vig-orous. 



Shearman's clover, therefore, may be said to be closely allied to Strawberry 

 clover, but it is certainly sufliciently individual to be classified as a distinct 

 variety. Its habits of growth, such as barrenness in seed-setting and 

 aggressiveness in gi'owth, and its original discovery and development from 

 a single plant, suggest that it has resulted from a cross between two 

 clovers — perhaps Stra\vberry and White, oi- Strawberry and Red, or even 

 White and Red. A close study of the available literature of the world's 

 clovers, together with an examination of the numerous diiferent clover plants 

 in the herbarium of the Botanic Gardens, has revealed no similar clover, 

 and, for the present, it has been decided to name it Shearman's clover 

 (TriJoJium fragijerum var.) after its discoverer, to whom much credit is due 

 for developing the plant as he, has done. 



