MEADOW PLANTS 53 
moist climate, hence is not adapted to the regions farther 
south. It is usually sown with grain for the reasons men- 
tioned under vetches. (See Farmers’ Bulletin No. 224.) 
The soybean (Soja Soja (L.) Karst., Glycine hispida 
Maxim.) is an upright plant that tends to become bushy. 
In southeastern Asia, where the species is native, it is 
extensively cultivated, the seed being used for human 
food. In the United States the soybean is grown for both 
seed and forage. The seed, rich in protein, is used for 
feeding stock, usually in the form of soybean meal. As a 
forage plant, it can be utilized for hay or for pasture. 
The soybean is adapted to the cotton-belt and north- 
ward into the southern part of the corn-belt. Being 
much more drought-resistant than the cowpea it can be 
grown in the southern part of the Great Plains. (See 
Farmers’ Bulletin No. 372.) 
Sweet clover (Melilotus alba) is a vigorous grower and 
makes excellent hay, the chief objection being that stock 
do not readily eat it until they have acquired a taste for 
it. The plant is a biennial, producing the flowers the 
second season. The hay should be cut before seed is 
formed. Sweet clover is also known as Bokhara clover. 
(See Farmers’ Bulletin No. 485.) 
Florida beggar-weed (Meibomia tortuosa (Swartz) 
Kuntze). This has been used with success in Florida and 
the Gulf states. It is a tall plant with trifoliate leaves and 
flat, constricted pods that break up into one-seeded joints 
that adhere to wool or clothing by means of a covering of 
hook-like hairs. (See Farmers’ Bulletin No. 509.) 
