MEADOW PLANTS 53 



moist climate, hence is not adapted to the regions farther 

 south. It is usually sown with grain for the reasons men- 

 tioned under vetches. (See Farmers' Bulletin No. 224.) 



The soybean (Soja Soja (L.) Karst., Glycine hispida 

 Maxim.) is an upright plant that tends to become bushy. 

 In southeastern Asia, where the species is native, it is 

 extensively cultivated, the seed being used for human 

 food. In the United States the soybean is grown for both 

 seed and forage. The seed, rich in protein, is used for i- 

 feeding stock, usually in the form of soybean meal. As a \ 

 forage plant, it can be utilized for hay or for pasture. 

 The soybean is adapted to the cotton-belt and north- 

 ward into the southern part of the corn-belt. Being 

 much more drought-resistant than the cowpea it can be 

 grown in the southern part of the Great Plains. (See 

 Farmers' Bulletin No. 372.) 



Sweet clover (Melilotus alba) is a vigorous grower and U-* 

 makes excellent hay, the chief objection being that stock \ 

 do not readily eat it until they have acquired a taste for 

 it. The plant is a biennial, producing the flowers the 

 second season. The hay should be cut before seed is 

 formed. Sweet clover is also known as Bokhara clover. 

 (See Farmers' Bulletin No. 485.) 



Florida beggar -weed (Meibomia tortuosa (Swartz) 

 Kuntze). This has been used with success ;n Florida and 

 the Gulf states. It is a tall plant with trifoliate leaves and 

 flat, constricted pods that break up into one-seeded joints 

 that adhere to wool or clothing by means of a covering of 

 hook-like hairs. (See Farmers' Bulletin No. 509.) 



