45 2 



Lathynis hirsiitus (Winter vetch). This vetch is one of the best 

 that has been grown in the Southern States for winter forage. It 

 is sown in September or October, so that it may germinate with 

 the fall rains and become established before cold weather. It 

 grows slowly until the ground freezes. By the first of January the 

 roots are sufficiently developed so that the tops begin to grow 

 rapidly, and by February the plants form a dense mat and continue 

 to grow until hot weather. The plants bear grazing well, and stock 

 of all kinds eat the dry hay. For the Gulf States this is one of the 

 most valuable species of vetch for winter and early spring fodder. 

 It reseeds itself freely. (Tracy). 



Lathyrus macrorhizos. A native of Western Asia which would 

 be valuable for introduction into this country. It makes a good 

 growth on the most barren woodlands, especially in mountain 

 regions. 



Lathynis polymorphus (Everlasting pea). A low pea, 6 to 12 

 inches high, with very large purple flowers, common on the prairies 

 from Missouri and Nebraska westward. This furnishes consider- 

 able pasturage, and ought to be given a trial in cultivation. 



Lathynis sativus (Bitter vetch). A native of middle and southern 

 Europe, which is adapted to cultivation in cold climates and alpine 

 regions. The fodder is superior to that of vetches, but the yield is 

 scant. In India it is grown as a winter crop, often on heavy, clayey 

 soils which will grow no other legume. Great caution must be 

 used in feeding the seeds of this plant, as they contain an alkaloid 

 which is highly poisonous to domestic animals and to man. It has 

 not been cultivated much in this country. 



Lathynis splendens ( Pride of California). This vine has been 

 introduced into gardens because of its beautiful flowers. It grows 

 wild in the mountains of Southern California, and is said to be an 

 excellent forage plant. 



Lespcdcza striala (Japan clover. Fig. 15.) An annual herb natu- 

 ralized in this country, especially in the South. Cattle and sheep 

 are fond of it, and because of its deep roots it withstands 

 drought, so that it is excellent clover to sow in mixtures with 

 taller growing-species in dry pastures. It is particularly valuable 

 in such places because the herbage has a salty taste and is welcome 

 in hay. 



AO///.S tclnigonolobm (Square pod pea. Fig. 16.) A much- 

 branched ascending annual, closely related to the birdsfoot clover. 

 It is a native of southern Europe, and is there grown for salads and 

 as an ornamental plant. It has been recommended by the 

 California Experiment Station as the best winter crop for ploughing 

 under in spring as green manure. It yields from 20 to 25 tons of 

 green fodder, equivalent to four or live tons of air-dried hay, and 

 the roots are described as being fairly incrustecl with tubercles, 

 whose office it is to extract nitrogen from the air ; and though 

 the plant does not contain as high a percentage of crude protein as 



