LEGUMINOUS CROPS. 



587 



Shearman's Clover (Trifolmm fragiferum var.). 



Shearman's clover lias been authoritatively identified as a hybrid from 

 Strawberry clover, and was first discovered by Mr. J. Shearman, of Stock- 

 ton. It is undoubtedly superior to Strawberry clover in moist situations, 



Shearman's Clover (on the left i and Strawberry Clover (on the right), as grown at the 

 Botanic Gardens, Sydney. 



Note the similarity in habit ; Shearman's clover, however, is much more vigorous. 



and Mr. Shearman carries four head of dairy stock per acre on this crop 

 alone. It makes its best growth in the warmer months of the year, and is 

 highly recommended for swampy or marshy soils. Root planting is neces- 

 sary, as so far it has failed to set seed. 



MEDICS, TREFOILS, AND CROWFOOTS.* 



To the grazier and pastoralist in this State the most important representa- 

 tive of the Medicago family of plants is the well-known Medicago sativa, or 

 lucerne. Together with Medicago lupulina (English trefoil), which is also 

 a perennial, it is the only member of the family cultivated to any extent. 

 Many others, however, are extremely important owing to their value in 

 pasture land and to their possibilities under cultivation, and several of the 

 more important are discussed below. 



The Medics are legumes with leaves like clover, but characterised by 

 having pods curved or spirally twisted. Certain species have their pods 

 provided with spines and are called Burr Medics or trefoils, while the pods 

 of other species, e.g., M. orbicularis, are not provided with spines. 



*E. Breakwell, B.A..B.S l 



