196 TEPHROSIA CANDIDA 



As has been already mentioned, these losses may be 

 avoided by returning the ashes to the fields. 



However that may be, failing special local conditions, we 

 do not think Tephro^ia Candida can rival the pea as a 

 restorative plant. 



In 1897 M- Boname, who has always been prominent in 

 calling attention to the advantages to be derived from our 

 various plants, advocated the use of these seeds for feeding 

 live stock. In spite of their being reputed poisonous in 

 Mauritius, they are largely used in Reunion for feeding cows 

 and pigs. 



They are easy to harvest, and their cost price is much 

 lower than that of Indian seeds. 



We give their composition herewith : — 



Water ... ... ... ... ... 13*40 per cent. 



Ash 



Cellulose ... 



Fat 



Non-nitrogenous matter 



Nitrogenous matter 



4-82 



13-65 



8-50 



25-88 



3375 



lOO'OO 



Although the husks make a coarse fodder on account 

 of their high cellulose content, Ihey might be used crushed 

 up with other foods, or as an absorbent for molasses. 



The following analysis was made by M. Boname in 

 1897:- 



Water 



Ash 



Cellulose ... 



Fat 



Non-nitrogenous matter 



Nitrogenous matter 



10 "36 per cent. 



I -60 

 4270 



0-36 

 39-61 



5-37 



loo-oo 



Tephrosia Candida is sown at the beginning of the winter 

 season, i.e., with the first rains. The seeds are sown in pairs 

 at intervals of i metre. The rows should also be i metre 

 apart. Three months after sowing the plant begins to bloom, 

 and is then from 3 to 3J ft. high. 



