LEOUMiNos.ii: 439 



wings of the flowcM*, from which nectar is being taken, thus 

 forcing out the stiuma and anthers up against the bee's head. 

 The stigma becomes dusted with pollen from another flower 

 and the anthers open, leaving pollen on the under side of 

 the bee's head. The flower parts return to their original 

 position when the bee leaves the flower. Nectar sought by 

 the bee is secreted at the bases of the stamens, and collects 

 in the staminal tube. 



Geographical. — Tlu; species is ;i native of Eurasia. It has become natural- 

 ized in the United States, occurring commonly in the fields and meadows 

 throughout most of our area. 



Environmental Relations.— Red clover attains its best 

 growth in humid sections of the country, and where the 

 summer and winter temperatures are not extreme. Un- 

 like alfalfa, dry atmospheric conditions arc detrimental to 

 red clover; but like alfalfa it requires lime in the soil. More- 

 over, it is intolerant of a [)()()rly drained soil and of much 

 shade. 



Mammoth Clover.-This clover, sometimes known as 

 perennial clover, sapling clover, pea-vine clover, and bull 

 clover, is a form of the ordinary Trijolium pratcnsc; as 

 compared with the latter, mammoth clover matures later, 

 has a more highly branching tap root, longer pedicels, and 

 solid stems. It is known as Trijolium pratcnse pcrcnne. 



Uses. — Common red clover is one of our most prized 

 forage and hay cro{)s; it is also raised to some extent as a 

 green-manure and cover crop. Its importance as a crop in 

 the United States may be judged from the fact that the total 

 acreage is about Ave times that of alfalfa. It is adapted to 

 the humid sections of the country. The highest percentage 

 of digestible substances occurs in the plant just, before full 

 bloom. The plant soon becomes tough and fibrous after 

 the blooming period. 



