47-2 
place at the suture and extends through the calyx. A description of the natural 
order may be found under Genista tinctoria, 46. 
History and Habitat.—Red clover has become extensively naturalized here 
since its introduction from Europe, escaping to unused fields, along roadsides, 
and even to open woods, beautifying all with its close, red, sweet-scented heads, 
which appear from May to August. As hay, clover is highly valuable, either 
alone or mixed with succulent grasses. Its nutritive ratio is lower by nearly one- 
half than that of timothy (Phleum pratense), yet ruminants seem to eat of it more 
greedily and with a fuller sign of satisfaction. Porcher says that, in Ireland, 
when food is scarce, the powdered flowers are mixed with bread, and esteemed 
wholesome and nutritious. Asa green manure for field fertilization, and an ele- 
ment of importance in rotation of crops it is also greatly prized, on account of 
its large percentage of potash, lime, and phosphoric acid. 
Its former use in medicine has been as a component of a salve, or extract, for 
all kinds of indolent sores and ulcers, to which it proves peculiarly soothing. A 
strong infusion is often used in half-ounce doses, to suspend the spasm of whoop- 
ing-cough, 
| Trifolium is not officinal either in the U. S. Ph. or Eclectic Materia Medica. 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The fresh blossoms are pounded toa 
pulp and weighed. Then two parts by weight of alcohol are taken, the pulp 
thoroughly mixed with one-sixth part of it and the rest of the alcohol added. 
After having stirred the whole well, allow it to stand at least eight days in a 
dark, cool place. : 
The tincture thus formed, after decanting, straining and filtering, should have 
a light, clear, orange-brown color by transmitted light, a slightly astringent, hay- 
like taste, and a decided acid reaction. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—The only assay of the flower-heads that I 
have been able to find is one by Grazel, reported in the Proceedings of the Cal. Phar. 
Soc,, 1883, p. 49. He found, beside the usual constituents of vegetable matter, 
an acid, an extractive, tannin, and a resinoid principle soluble in ether, giving a 
a green color when dissolved in liquor ammonia, and a yellow color in liquor 
potassa. 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—With the exception of the following effects, 
noted by Dr. T. C. Duncan, little or nothing is known of the action of this plant: 
Excessive dryness of the throat and fauces, causing a severe, hacking, irritative 
cough, a feeling of congestion of the lungs, dry, costive Rewer from the bowels, 
and a copious flow of pale yellow urine. 
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE 47. 
t. Upper part of stem, Bergen, N. J., June 13th, 1879. 
2. Outline of root. 
3. Flower (enlarged). 
4. Fruiting head. 
5. Pollen, x 380. 
