about it than most of our modern botanists. In his 

 day it was held in high esteem, both as a honey-plant 

 and for its medical uses, and really these latter have 

 been held in high favor by the people of the Conti- 

 nent to the present day. 



Numerous species of melilot have been highly es- 

 teemed as forage-plants in Central and Southern 

 Europe from ancient times, and most notably in 

 Switzerland, where the flavor and excellence of Swiss 

 dairy products are due in large measure to the pres- 

 ence of melilot in their mountain meadows and pas- 

 tures. In England, however, though several species 

 are common, conditions do not seem to favor their 

 growth, and they do not afford enough verdure for 

 profitable forage. 



it is very interesting to note that our melilot in 

 its new home shows a remarkable increase of strength 

 and vigor. Dr. Asa Gray describes it as growing 2 to 

 4 feet high in the New England States. Dr. Bailey, 

 in his Botanical Encyclopedia, makes it from 3 to 8 

 feet high in New York. Here, on the Southern Wis- 

 consin line, I have measured cut stems tnat were 

 10% feet long, and no doubt taller growths may be 

 found along our creek and river bottoms. This appar- 

 ent adaptation to new conditions may also account 

 for the marked difference in palatability between our 

 stems and that common in the East, South and South- 



The use of the bacteria-supporting legumes for the 

 maintenance of the fertility of our farms is one of the 

 most promising fields for agricultural experiment. 

 It is well to know that we have right at our doors the 

 most hardy, rank-growing members of this class, and 

 one that promises the largest increment of fertilizing 

 matter from its growth. I. M. B. 



Beloit, Wis. 



SWEET CLOVER TO THE FRONT. 

 From The Nebraska Fanner. January 10, 1910. 



There was a time when it would be a daring thing 

 indeed to suggest to any farmer that sweet clover 

 had an agricultural value. Even to this day there are 



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