FORAGE LEGUMINOS^ 293 



Vicia (Herb).- -The vetch is a herbaceous leguminous plant with a 

 very wide distribution, and some varieties are of great economic 

 value. Some climb by means of tendrils, others are of low growth. 



Numerous varieties of vetch occur throughout the globe. They are 

 forage plants, and in some the seeds are capable of being used for 

 food. An annual species of low habit, Vicia Ervilia, is cultivated in 

 North Africa ; it is a forage plant and very prolific as regards seed 

 production. 



It is chiefly used for feeding horses, only a moderate amount being 

 given on account of its heating properties. The seeds are given to 

 poultry. 



Vicia sativa — This vetch, grown in Northern Africa and other sub- 

 tropical countries, forms an excellent fodder. The seeds are used to 

 feed pigeons, fowls, ducks, &c. It needs supporting by plants which 

 have strong stems. 



Vicia sativa grows wild in Europe. A. de Candolle gives it as a 

 native of Northern India and Bengal. 



The vetch has been cultivated from time immemorial ; even in 

 Cato's time it was known as a splendid fodder. 



M. Balland ("Les Aliments") gives the weight of fourteen cut 

 plants as 383 grm. ; the husks weighing 70 grm., the leaves 17s grm., 

 stems 138 grm. That is to say the percentage is as follows : — 



Husks ... ... ... ... ... iS\5 per cent. 



Leaves ... ... ... ... ... 4^7 



Stems ... ... ... ... ... 36"o ,, 



lOQ-OO lOQ-OO 



Vicia sepium (Herb). — Suits damp climates; like the preceding, 

 requires to be supported by stems. 



Vicia tetrasperma (Herb). — Excellent forage plant. In tropical 

 Africa are found the species Vicia -paucifolia and V. hirsxita. 



c;esalpinie/e. 



Bauhinia purpurea (Tree). — The leaves are eaten by live stock. 



Bauhlnia reticulata (Shrub). — Cows, sheep, and goats are very fond 

 of this plant, which is widely distributed in Senegal and the Soudan. 



Ceratonia Siliqua. — Ceratonia Siliqiia, the common name of which 

 is the carob tree, is a native of the East. It has a most luxurious 



