LKGUMIN0U8 CROPS. 58$ 



Spotted Trefoil {Medicaao maculata). 



This is an annual trefoil or medic, not nearly as abundant as M. • 



culata, being confined to the colder districts of the State. It is very 

 abundant on the Southern Tablelands, particularly at Moss Vale and at 

 Goulburn. When grown as a pasture grass stock do not take too kindly to 

 it at first, but later develop a liking for it. It is also used as a hay crop to a 

 certain extent, but plants should be cut as soon as the blooms are abundant, 

 as the plants fall down if left too long. 



The Spineless Medics. 



The advantage which the spineless trefoils possess over the Burr trefoils 

 is obvious, and as they possess all the good qualities of the latter, they 

 deserve every possible encouragement. The more important species are 

 briefly mentioned. 



Button Cloveji (Medicago orbicularis). 

 This species is most abundant in the north and north-western portions of 

 the State, but does not appear to thrive in the very cold localities. It is 

 badly affected by dry conditions; but has made promising growth under 

 irrigation at Yanco Experiment Farm. 



Snail Clover (Medicago scutellata) . 

 This species has been found growing spontaneously in pastures at Molong, 

 and has done well under irrigation at Yanco. During winter and spring the 

 plants make good growth, throwing out stems about 18 inches long. The 

 stems are very branched and cany a large amount of foliage. The plants 

 remain green for some time after the pods have fallen, and the clover itself 

 lasts longer than the other annual medics. 



The Crowfoots ( Erodium sp.) 



There are three species of crowfoot commonly found in this State, namely, 

 Erodium cygnorum E. moschatum, and E. cicutarium. 



The crowfoots are very abundant on the lighter soils throughout the wheat- 

 growing districts. Such country is called " crowfoot country " as distin- 

 guished from " trefoil country " on the flats or heavy soils. 



Native crowfoot {E. cygnorum) is confined mostly to the warmer parts of 

 the State, such as the north-west and far west. West of Parkes right through 

 t:> Condobolin it can be found in great abundance. On the black soils of the 

 north-west it will grow to a height of 5 feet in a good season. It is a very 

 rapid grower, its period extending from late autumn to early spring. The 

 mature growth is seriously affected by heavy rains; owing to the succulent 

 nature of its growth it falls prostrate, its leaves fall off, and only a mass of 

 dry stalks remains. All classes of stock do exceedingly well on the green 

 growth. So luxuriant is its growth in a good season that thousands of 

 tons go to waste. It does not make good ensilage unless mixed with coarser 

 plants, such as grasses or cereals. 



Musky crowfoot {Erodium moschatum) is very abundant in the cooler 

 parts of the State. It is generally associated with E. cicutarium, but owing 

 to its more vigorous habit of growth, is generally more abundant than that 

 plant. In the very cold districts, where the mean winter temperatures range 

 between 55 degrees Fah. and 62 degrees Fah., it partakes of a rosette habit. 



Erodium cicutarium is thought very highly of in this State. Although it 

 does not produce the body of feed that Native Crowfoot does, its growing 

 period is longer and it is capable of being closely grazed. When it takes 

 possession the plants are invariably prostrate. This crowfoot is also credited 

 with being a first-class bee plant. 



