LI-XIl'MKS FOR SHKH 



269 



Medium Early Green soy bean 

 (From photo by Gilmore) 



which occurs very readily when pods ripen, thus causing loss 

 of seed. 



The seeds are globular, more or less compressed, and vary 

 in color from nearly white to 

 black, varieties being usually 

 divided according to the color of 

 their seeds into three groups : 

 white, green, and black. The 

 seeds vary greatly in size. A 

 sample of Early Green con- 

 tained 3,135 seeds, and of Early 

 Black 1,460 seeds per pound. 

 This plant is characterized by 

 the abundance of the conspicu- 

 ous reddish-brown hairs which 

 cover all parts of the plant, 



especially the stems, leaf stalks, and pods. It has a stout tap 

 root; but in general, the root growth is rather light. 



333. Varieties. Although there is a number of varieties, the 

 soy bean appears much less variable than cowpeas. Varieties, 

 in addition to the color of the seed, are classified according to 

 the time of maturity into early, medium early, medium, medium 

 late, and late. The earlier varieties are smaller, and usually 

 produce more seed in proportion to the size of the plants. For 

 the successful culture of soy beans, it is quite as important to 

 plant the variety suited to the climate and other conditions of 

 culture and use as it is in the culture of maize. Perhaps as 

 a better knowledge of the adaptation of several varieties is ob- 

 tained, the cultivation of the plant will become more extended. 



"The 'Early White' soy bean is an excellent variety to grow when a crop 

 of seed is desired, particularly in the North, where the growing season is 

 likely to be short. It is not a good variety to grow for hay or soiling, how- 

 ever, on account of the small size of the plants and a tendency to drop the 

 leaves early. 'Medium Early Green' is one of the best varieties to plant for 

 hay, as it yields heavily and retains its leaves well. For soiling or for ensilage 

 'Medium Early Green/ 'Medium Early Black,' or the 'late' green or black 



