l66 THE FORAGE AND FIBER CROPS IN AMERICA 



perennial character, causes the plant to spread rapidly and form 

 a fairly dense sod. The pod, very similar to that of alsike, con- 

 tains on an average a large number of seeds usually three 

 to four, sometimes five or six. The seed resembles that of 

 alsike in shape, but is smaller and of different color. The 

 solid color varies from orange, sometimes red, to yellow when 

 fresh, changing to reddish-brown when old. 



Giant broad-leaved white clover, an improved variety of white 

 clover imported from Italy, was tried at the North Carolina 

 Station. The plant was reported to be much more robust, to 

 have larger leaves, and to produce twice the herbage, but a small 

 quantity of seed. 



182. Distribution and Adaptation. White clover is indige- 

 nous or naturalized commonly throughout North America, 

 Europe, parts of Asia, and northern Africa. It is less sensitive 

 to climate, especially cold, than is red clover. It thrives best 

 in a moist but well-drained soil, particularly in one with plenty 

 of lime and humus. While it needs warmth and moisture, it 

 withstands drought better than does red clover. The applica- 

 tion of lime, potash, and phosphates increases its growth. The 

 effect of wood ashes in bringing in white clover where none 

 was noticed before is more marked than with red and alsike 

 clovers. (157) An abundant growth of white clover is an 

 indication of a productive soil. This clover holds the same 

 relation to Kentucky blue grass that red clover does to timothy. 

 It is suitable for pasture only, for which, in connection with 

 Kentucky blue grass, it is unexcelled. It stands pasturage 

 well and is not likely to cause bloat in cattle as is the case 

 with red clover. 



During August, when the white clover contains an abundance 

 of seed, it causes horses pastured upon it to "slobber" probably 

 because of the acrid nature of the seed, a characteristic of all 

 clovers. White clover is highly prized as a honey plant. 



