192 MEADOWS AND PASTURES 



earth, so the seedbed must be fine and level so that the 

 seeds may be put in at a uniform depth of about i" or a 

 little less. It is sown in spring. In Europe are fields 20 

 years old in productive condition. It endures drouth 

 well and has enriched many poor, half-barren, hilly, cal- 

 careous lands of Europe. I venture here to prophesy that 

 we shall learn to. use this splendid clover some day in 

 parts of America and that it will do us great good. I 

 would never sow it without inoculation, and at this writ- 

 ing that is difficult to secure. 



Field Pea (Pisum sativum var. aruense). Field peas 

 must have mention because they are of importance in 

 Canada, Michigan, Wisconsin, New England and north- 

 ern New York and in high altitudes of the western moun- 

 tains. They are a close relative of the common garden 

 pea, a mere variety, more resistant to cold and hardier 

 to endure field conditions. They produce smaller peas 

 than the garden sorts, and are smooth, while garden peas 

 are commonly wrinkled. The growth of vine is remark- 

 able, the Golden Vine variety having a length often ex- 

 ceeding 10'. As the vines get older the leaves drop and 

 the stems become bare. The Utah station reports the 

 greatest yield of both green forage and dry matter when 

 the plants were in bloom, water-free substance, 4,997 

 pounds to the acre. Field peas are commonly grown for 

 soiling purposes, mixed with oats. They grow best in 

 cool weather and should be sown as early as .possible in 

 spring. In some soils they may, indeed, be sown very 

 late in the fall, just as winter sets in, and they will lie 

 dormant till early spring and then grow. Because sandy 

 soils are first dry and warm in spring, field peas are com- 

 monly found to thrive best there. They like calcareous 



