Summer Fodders for the North. 341 



ill some places. The seed maj be sown after all fear of frosts is over, 

 in drills sufficiently wide to permit of cultivation. The seed needed 

 per acre depends on the size, as that of some varieties is much larger 

 than others. About half a bushel to the acre shoidd suffice, but in 

 some places one bushel per acre is recommended. The i)rico of soy 

 beans will preclude their popular use as forage plants, even did the 

 rainfall permit of their general success. The soil should be deep, 

 good, and well worked before, and once after the seed is sown. If 

 broadcasted the light harrows may be used, provided the teeth be 

 regulated not to tear up the seeds just about to germinate. If the 

 sowing be a thick one, the harrows when passed over the crop would 

 no doubt improve it, but this applies more where the soil is not too 

 dry, and the plants can readily freshen up again. 



We have growing naturally a few related species of the genus to 

 Avhich this plant belongs with which I hope to carry out some experi- 

 ments. These are very hardy, and grow in very dry situations. They 

 are, however, small, and not so succulent as the cultivated varieties, 

 yet by cross fertilisation some important results may be achieved. 



Other Crops. 



A number of species and varieties of plants belonging to the 

 genus Phaseolus were tried. Although they seeded, still their 

 prolificness was such that it would not warrant the growing of these 

 plants on more than a small experimental scale. Certainly, in moister 

 districts that are also free from frosts, these may thrive like French 

 beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) , which belongs to the same genus. The 

 following were experimented with : — Mung (P. viungoj, Urd fP. 

 radiatus) , Moth (P. aconitif alius) . 



Among the other leguminous plants experimented with this season 

 were a number of varieties of garden peas, field peas, Spanish pea or 

 lentil, sugar pea, hairy or sand vetch, common vetch, golden vetch, 

 and others. Owing to the excessive dryness none of them could be 

 said to be a success. The same may be said of the clovers, of which 

 all varieties procurable were grown in the experimental plots. 



The milk vetch (Astragalus falcatus) , lately imported from 

 France, had a very trying season for its trial, and did not succeed in 

 establishing itself. 



Sour Clover (Melilotus indica) , sent by the Government Pathologist 

 for- trial, grew about 6 inches high. It seeded well, and then died 

 off. It is not unlike Bokara Clover, and is recommended as a green 

 manure. It succeeded best of the clovers during 1902, and this 

 season the plants have reached about four feet high and are still 

 growing. 



