Petalostemon (Prairie clover ; white prairie clover ; purple 

 prairie clover ; leafy prairie clover. Fig. 25). A number of species 

 of prairie clover are common throughout the prairie region, and 

 westward into the Rocky Mountains. They are erect perennial 

 legumes, with heads of white or purple flowers and finely divided 

 compound leaves. They contribute a considerable amount of 

 forage on the prairie pastures, and should be given a trial in 

 cultivation. 



Phascolus hclvolus (Long-stalked kidney bean). A perennial 

 bean with slender diffuse stems. A single plant makes a large 

 quantity of herbage. Common in the Southern States, where, in 

 certain localities, it produces a large amount of forage. 



Phaseolus perennis (Wild kidney bean). A species closely 

 related to the garden bean, widely distributed over the eastern and 

 southern United States, and as far west as the Mississippi river. It 

 grows in woodland copses and along the banks of streams, and 

 wherever found is eaten greedily by stock. It should be given a 

 trial in cultivation. 



Pisum arvense (Gray winter pea ; Canada field pea ; field pea). 

 The common field pea is a native of Italy, and has been in 

 cultivation for a good many hundred years. It is grown chiefly for 

 its seeds, which are used both as an article of diet and for fatten- 

 ing cattle. It is one of the best soiling crops for milch cows, and is 

 largely used in the Northern States and Canada, and as far west as 

 the Dakotas for this purpose, and for green manure. The seed is 

 sow r n broadcast and harrowed in. It is planted in early spring, 

 and is ready to cut in May or June. For soiling, the fodder is 

 sweet, palatable, and very nutritious. It also makes an excellent 

 quality of ensilage. It grows best on light calcareous loams, and 

 produces heavy crops on rich land. 



Plantago lanceolata (Rib grass ; plantain ; ripple grass ; plan- 

 tain herb ; rib herb). A weed extensively naturalised in this country 

 in lawns and meadows, and truly considered a vile pest, but in 

 Europe frequently recommended for sowing in pasture mixtures. 

 It possesses the advantage of growing on the most sterile soils. 

 Cattle and sheep are fond of it when young. There are a number 

 of American species, widely distributee! in all parts of the country, 

 many of which add value to the scanty spring forage in barren 

 pastures. Some species of the prairie region grow on salt marshes 

 and alkali spots, and would, perhaps, be of value for cultivation on 

 such soils. 



Polygonum aviculare (Knotweed ; duckweed ; dooryard grass. 

 Fig. 26). A weedy annual of the knotweed or smartweed family, 

 common everywhere in dooryards, waste places, and fields. The 

 stems are slender, prostrate or ascending, branching 6 to 14 inches 

 high, and leafy ; the leaves oblong to lanceolate, from one-fourth 

 of an inch to an inch long, pointed at each end, and bluish green. 

 It is very hardy, growing readily on the poorest of ordinary soils, 



