SNAILS. 383 



thinning may be transplanted, and new beds formed if occa- 

 sion require. The growing crop should be kept free from 

 weeds, and liberally watered in dry weather. In the follow- 

 ing spring, the leaves will be fit for the table. Those plants 

 not cut for use will flower in June, and the seeds will ripen 

 in July. The seeds seldom vegetate well if sown late in 

 spring, or during warm, dry weather. 



Use. The radical leaves are used as a salad, and are 

 sometimes mixed with Cress. "When bruised, they emit an 

 unpleasant odor, and have an acrid, bitter taste when eaten. 

 The plant is more generally used for medicinal purposes than 

 as an esculent. 



SNAILS. 



Snail Trefoil. Medicago orbicularis. 



From the south of Europe. It is a har^y, annual plant, 

 with reclining stems, compound or winged leaves, and yellow 

 flowers. The pods, or seed-vessels, are smooth, and coiled 

 in a singular and remarkably regular manner. As they ap- 

 proach maturity, they gradually change to a dark brown 

 color, and, seen from a short distance, have the appearance 

 of snails feeding on the plant. 



The seeds are large, flat, somewhat kidney-shaped, of a 

 yellowish-brown color, and retain their powers of germina- 

 tion five years. They are usually sold in the pods, but 

 should be taken out before planting. 



Sowing and Culture. It is propagated by seeds, which 

 should be sown in April or May where the plants are to 

 remain. Sow in drills fifteen inches apart. The plants 

 should be thinned out where they are too close, and kept 

 free from weeds, which is all the culture they require. 

 They will blossom in July, and the seeds will ripen in 

 autumn. 



