f.EGUMINOl 8 CROPS. 585 



and Victoria, where considerable areas are grown, it has proved to have a 

 considerable fattening and carrying capacity for dairy cattle. Owing to the 

 manner in which the runners set their numerous seeds under the soil, it 

 re-seeds itself even under heavy stocking, and maintains practically a 

 permanent character. 



Biennial Clovers. 



There is only one biennial clover of any importance, and it is not really a 

 clover, although the term Bokhara or Sweet clover is now permanently 

 fixed. Its scientific name is Mvlilotus alba. There is a big scope for this 

 clover throughout the coastal and wheat-growing districts and very good 

 results have been obtained from growing it on the coast, in the New England 

 district, at Orange, Bathurst, Cowra, and on the Murrumbidgee Irrigation 

 Area. 



Sweet (Bokhara) Clover (MelUotus alba). 



The most valuable characteristics of Bokhara clover are: — (a) It pro- 

 vides excellent pasture for sheep and large stock ; (b) it makes very fine 

 'hay; (c) it is very drought resistant; (d) it is a very efficient soil reno- 

 vater, owing to its deep root system and its property of acquiring 

 abundant nitrogen-gathering bacteria : and (e) it is a valuable crop to 

 grow preparatory to laying down a lucerne paddock. It can be sown in 

 early autumn or early spring at the rate of 8 to 10 lb. of seed per acre. 

 The seed must be sown on a well-rolled seed bed, and lightly harrowed in, 

 otherwise a faulty germination will ensue. 



The growth should be pastured or cut before it becomes too woody. By 

 allowing the crop to seed in the second year a permanent pasture is 

 practically guaranteed. On the coast and in New England this clover 

 does well when mixed with cocksfoot. The combination provides an ideal 

 ration for dairv cattle. 



