122 Bulletin 394 



perfume, a characteristic not so marked in early growth unless the plants 

 are dried. A long taproot is early developed, which becomes fleshy 

 toward the end of the first season due to the large quantity of reserve 

 material stored in it. During the second season the plant makes a 

 growth of from five to twelve feet in height. In the middle of the summer 

 white flowers, borne on long, slender racemes, are produced. Death 

 occurs when the seed has matured. 



In common with other legumes sweet clover possesses the power, 

 thru the agency of proper bacteria, of storing up atmospheric nitrogen 

 thru the nodules on its roots, thus enriching the soil in which it is grown. 



REVIEW OF LITERATURE 



A survey of the literature of the subject shows that very little definite 

 experimental work has been undertaken regarding sweet clover. Such 

 work as has been done has been limited, for the most part, to the study 

 of the plant as a forage crop and as a honey plant. Data are lacking 

 regarding its value as a green manure. Recently several authors have 

 pointed out its utility as a farm crop, but their writings are based on 

 general observations rather than on experimental results. 



SWEET CLOVER CULTURE 



An excellent discussion of sweet clover is given by Westgate and Vinall 

 (1912).^ This publication contains a survey of the distribution of the 

 crop thruout the United States, together with some data regarding yields 

 and the purposes for which the crop is used. Methods of cultivation 

 are discussed, as well as the value of the plant for hay, for pasture, or 

 for soil improvement. The authors state that sweet clover possesses 

 a wider adaptability to soil types and climate than any of the true clovers 

 and probably than alfalfa. Attention is called to the fact that the plant 

 thrives in the most humid as well as the semi-arid sections of the country, 

 and produces a satisfactory growth on both the acid soils of the East 

 and the alkali soils of the West. It is stated further that a good stand 

 is obtained on soils too low in humus for the favorable growth of most 

 other legumes. Failures in obtaining a good stand are considered to be 

 due largely to faulty culture methods and to poor germination of the 

 seed. The authors conclude that sweet clover, properly handled, is a 

 valuable addition to the farm crops of many sections. 



Another comprehensive study of sweet clover is contained in a bulletin 

 by Lloyd (19 12). A survey of the distribution of the crop in Ohio is 

 given, together with notes from twenty-nine foreign countries and thirty- 



2 Dates in parenthesis refer to bibliography, page 148. 



