April 3, 1920.] 



Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. 



249 



Soils Suitable for Shearman's Clover. 

 Many of the Fullerton Cove soils on "which this clover thrives are marshy 

 and slightly saline. There is a good ai-ea of such soil along the coast of 

 New South Wales, and for these the clover is highly recommended, particularly 

 as under such conditions it is generally very difficult to get any other fodder 

 plant to grow. At Fullerton Cove it does not entirely monopolise the 

 situation, as water couch grass [Paspalum distichum) grows well with it, 

 providing a well-balanced ration. Further trials will probably show that the 

 clover will grow on other than marshy saline soils. On the light sandy soils 

 of the Botanic Gardens it has also done very well, but it is noticeable that a 

 good supply of moisture is essential to keep it growing vigorously. Many of 

 the river flats on the coast should have sufficient moisture for its development. 



The clover is partial to heat if grown under moist conditions ; on the other 

 hand, it is not killed by frosts, though in winter it is dormant. 



Hr. J. H. Shearman's 12-aore Paddock o( Clover at Fullerton Cove. 



Palatability and Nutritive Quality. 

 The palatability and nutritive quali^-y of this clover are of the highest order ; 

 Mr. Shearman feeds practically all his stock on it alone, and their condition 

 is all that can be desired. As already indicated, the greediness with which 

 dairy stock eat the clover is likely to cause bloating, and precautions have 

 to be exercised in pasturing them, so that they do not remain on it for any 

 length of time. Eloquent testimony to the palatability of the clover is 

 afforded by the disinclination of stock to eat anything else on being taken 

 from the paddock ; instead, they eagerly await the hour of repasturing. In 

 its best growing period (the summer) hardly any impression appears to be 



