176 



LEGUMINOUS CROPS 



extended because of its many uses. It is a summer annual and can 

 be profitably grown for forage and for green manure wherever 

 the summers are warm. It will mature seed best in the warmer 

 climates. The uneven ripening of the seed makes its harvest very 

 difficult. 



The plant resembles the true bean. Its leaves are large, 

 smooth, and divided into three large leaflets. The pods are long 

 and slender, containing many seeds which are of several colors 

 among the different varieties. Some seed is brown or clay-colored, 

 as in varieties called "Clay" and "Iron." Some have reddish 

 seed, some black and some nearly white. "Blackeye" has white 

 seed with black spot at the scar. 



Fio. 125. Cow peas grown in a peach orchard to gather nitrogen from the air and supply 

 it to the young trees. (Fights of the Farmer.) 



The varieties differ widely in their habit of growth, time re- 

 quired for maturity and yields of hay and seed. New Era is low, 

 erect, and matures in about six or eight weeks after germina- 

 tion, but the yield is light. Whippoorwill, Clay and Unknown 

 are varieties with vigorous, somewhat upright growth, well suited 

 for hay or for soiling. 



The cow pea does well on any soil but prefers a rich loam. It 

 is one of the best legumes for soil improvement, when used as 

 green manure or even when only the stubble and roots are used 

 for that purpose. 



