MISCELLANEOUS PLANTS. 223 



state. Of course if this experience should prove gen- 

 eral there will be no place for the plant in the agricul- 

 ture of this country, but conclusions should not be 

 drawn hastily with reference to the palatability of 

 fodder plants when but newly introduced. The 

 taste of domestic animals is quite susceptible of cul- 

 tivation. The limited quantities grown by the 

 author in Ontario were apparently relished by the 

 bovines to which they were fed in the green form. 



It is probable, however, that the flat pea will 

 not become greatly popular in areas well adapted to 

 the growth of clover, alfalfa and vetches. Nor is it 

 likely soon to find a prominent place in regions 

 where the rainfall is sufficient in a normal season to 

 meet the needs of ordinary farm crops. If there is 

 a place for this plant in the agriculture of the United 

 States, it is likely to be found in the dry areas of the 

 southwest and on lands in these which cannot be 

 irrigated. And it is also probable that it will be 

 found more valuable, relatively, in providing pas- 

 ture for sheep than in growing soiling food. But 

 experience with reference to pasturing the flat pea 

 would seem to be wholly wanting in America. 



Because of the slow growth of the seeds of the 

 flat pea, it has been recommended to start the seed 

 under favored conditions, as in a bed prepared for 

 the purpose, and then to transplant into rows where 

 the plants are to remain. Such a process, however, 

 would involve so much labor that it is not likely e^er 

 to come into general favor. Nor does it seem nec- 

 essary, where the preparation of the ground for the 

 seed has been given sufficient care. 



The soil for this plant ought to be porous and 

 free from stagnant water in both soil and subsoil, 



