THE GRASSES, MEADOWS, ETC. 



123 



FIG. 23. 



CEIMSON OR SCARLET CLOVER (T. incarnatum, Fig. 

 28) is a native of Italy, and much cul- 

 tivated in France. It bears a long head, 

 of bright scarlet flowers, and in southern 

 Europe is a profitable crop. Although it 

 was introduced into this country many 

 years since, it has not hitherto commended 

 itself to particular attention as an object of 

 agriculture. 



LUCERN (Medicago saliva, Fig. 29) is 

 k one of the most productive plants for forage, 

 ever grown. It was extensively cultivated 

 by the Greeks, and other nations of antiqui- 

 ty ; and it has been a prominent object of 

 attention in Italy, Spain, France, Holland 

 and Flanders. Its relative value as 

 compared with clover ( T. pratense), 

 is decidedly inferior, while its abso- 

 lute value per acre, is much greater. 

 It was early introduced into this 

 country. Chancellor Livingston 

 published his experiments with it 

 from 1791 to '94, by which he esti- 

 mates that he cut in one season, at 

 the rate of 6^ tons per acre, in five 

 cuttings, yielding a profit of over 

 $35 an acre. It bears three or four 

 crops per annum, containing from 

 three to eight tons of hay. Those 

 who have cultivated it, pronounce 

 FIG- 29. it hardy, and as capable of successful 



growth in this country as clover ; but to reach the highest 

 product, it requires a richness of soil and carefulness of culti- 

 vation, which would give an enormous produce to its more 

 humble rival. 



Manner of Cultivation. It must have a deep, dry, loamy 

 soil, free from weeds, and well filled with manure. A suita- 

 ble crop to precede it is corn or potatoes, heavily manured 

 and kept clean. Then plow in the fall, and add 40 bushels 

 crushed bones per acre ; and early in April, harrow tho- 

 roughly, and sow in drills, from one to two and a half feet 

 apart, at the rate of eight to ten pounds of seed per acre. 

 Stir the ground and extirpate the weeds with the cultivator 



