44 6 



important fact in regard to the plant is its ability to thrive in alkali 

 soils. It contains a bitter principle, which is sometimes employed 

 as a remedy for intermittent fevers. Sheep and cattle grazed on 

 lands where winter fat grows, increase in weight rapidly, and are 

 said to be remarkably free from disease. It is worthy of trial, and 

 should be introduced into the pastures of all arid and semi-arid or 

 alkaline grazing regions. 



Fai'a nilgnris (Horse bean ; broad bean ; common field bean ; 

 straight bean). A coarse, erect, rank-growing annual of consider- 

 able value as a forage plant, grown in the eastern United States, and 

 more extensively in Europe. The beans, which contain about 

 33 per cent, of starch, are used for fattening cattle, but their use, if 

 long continued without change or without proper admixture of 

 other foods, often results in paralysis, on account of the bitter 

 poisonous alkaloids which the seeds contain. 



Fagppyrwn csculenium (Buckwheat; common buckwheat ; Japan- 

 ese buckwheat ; silver-hull buckwheat). Buckwheat, the w r ell-known 

 annual cultivated for its seeds, is a native of northern Asia, and has 

 been under cultivation about 1,000 years. It succeeds in cold 

 climates on the poorest land. For fodder, or as green manure, 

 clayey soils produce the largest crops. On account of the short 

 season in which it matures, it is adapted to cultivation in high 

 latitudes and alpine regions. It is an excellent soiling crop, either 

 fed alone or with oats or green corn, and is recommended for 

 soiling milch cows. 



Fnuisena duinosa. A shrubby plant related to the cocklebur, 

 which is one of the most characteristic plants of the Colorado desert 

 and the dry sandy plains of southern California. It is valuable food 

 for stock, either dry or green. *It produces an abundance of burs, 

 which are eaten by cattle and horses, and are as fattening as grain. 

 It also makes a very fine feed for sheep. It dries up after the winter 

 rains, but becomes green after every shower. 



Galactia glabclla (Smooth milk pea). A low, prostrate or 

 twining, perennial bean with nearly smooth stems, trifoliate leaves, 

 and purple flowers in interrupted or nodding racemes. Common 

 in sandy woods from New York to Florida and Mississippi. It 

 makes an excellent summer forage for milch cows, and adds value 

 to woodland pastures. 



Galactia pilosa (Milk pea). Like the last species, but with 

 stems and leaves soft and downy. It is of some value as a summer 

 forage in the eastern United States. 



Galcga officinalis (Goat's rue ; goat's clover). A perennial 

 legume, with erect, branching, leafy stems i^io 2 feet high, pinnate 

 leaves, and purple flowers born on a long-stalked spike. A forage 

 plant of value on account of its resistance to drought, which has 

 been recommended for the northern prairies and central Rocky 

 Mountain districts. It is usually fed green, as it makes a poor 



