LEGUMES 



217 



green by grazing it early in the spring, before other species 

 have started, or in midsummer, when it is the only green 

 herbage in the pasture. The cured hay, cut before the blossoms 

 appear, is made palatable at first by sprinkling brine over it. 



283. Japan clover. Japan clover is a native of eastern Asia, 

 and was first discovered growing in this country in 1846. It has 

 since spread more or less completely over the entire area from 

 southern New Jersey to southern Kansas, and southward to the 



FIG. 104. Cowpeas 



This field of cowpeas has been grown to be plowed under for soil improvement, or for 

 use as hog pasture or for hay 



Gulf. Probably this is the limit of its adaptability in the United 

 States. It is of much importance in the South. Japan clover is 

 an annual, coming from the seed about the middle of the spring 

 and reaching maturity the following September or October. On 

 most soils it attains a height of from 4 to 6 inches and is of 

 value only for pasturage. On some soils, however, it grows to a 

 height of from 12 to 24 inches and produces from a half ton 

 to three tons of valuable hay. Japan clover produces seed in 

 great abundance and reseeds itself. 



