March, 1917.] THE SOY BEAN IN NEW HAMPSHIRE. 3 



flowers are either white or purple and are borne in clusters. Little 

 or no crossing occurs in the field, the flowers being self-fertilized. 



Plant of Medium Yellow Soy Beans with Leaves Removed to Show Pod 



Formation. 



Pods are formed abundantly, each one containing from two 

 to five seeds. The seeds varj^ in color from green to olive yellow, 

 yellow, brown and black. They also vary greatlj^ in size. 



The soy bean has a short tap root with numerous fibrous 

 roots which are covered with nodules if the plant is inoculated. 

 Approximately one-tenth of the total weight of the plant is 

 in the roots. 



The following table is a summary of the characteristics of some 

 of the leading varieties : 



