CULTIVATION OF PLANTS. 215 



affords. It was the making of the Low Countries, and although 

 not introduced into England until the sixteenth century, it has 

 converted some of its poorest districts into the most productive 

 and profitable, and its effects in this country are certainly not 

 less beneficial. 



Judge BUEL states, that "clover, in connection with gypsum, 

 first became a subject of notice and culture in the counties about 

 Philadelphia, and in Dutchess county, New York, about forty- 

 five years ago." As yet, its value has not been duly appre- 

 ciated by our American farmers, and consequently but little 

 comparative benefit has been derived from it from what might 

 be realized from its general introduction. In some sections 

 embracing entire counties its worth is known and appreciated; 

 in many such cases it has imparted a new aspect to the country, 

 while it improved and enhanced the value of the land and the 

 wealth of the cultivator. The late Judge PETERS took an ac- 

 tive part in introducing the clover culture to the attention of 

 American husbandmen. 



The species of clover in cultivation are 1. The RED CLOVER, 

 Trifolium pratense, a biennial, and sometimes, especially on 

 chalky soils, a triennial plant, known from the other species 

 by its broad leaves, luxuriant growth, and reddish purple 

 flowers. In its wild state a perennial. It is a native of Eu- 

 rope and America. 2. The while, creeping or Dutch clover, 

 ( Trifolium ripens,) a perennial plant, known by its creeping 

 stems and white flowers, is hardy, and suited to a great 

 variety of soil and climate. No plant known in the agriculture 

 of Europe, is so generally capable of cultivation as the white 

 clover. There are varieties of it, more or less nutritive and 

 productive. It is usually mixed with one or more of the 

 other grasses. 3. The Trifolium incarnatum, CRIMSON 

 CLOVER, is a native of the southern and central parts of Europe. 

 The colour of its flowers is a beautiful red, known and culti- 

 vated in some parts of the United States as Italian clover. 

 Though an annual, it is found very advantageous on dry sandy 

 soils. In the southern departments of France, where it is ex- 

 tensively cultivated, it grows during the winter, (which must 

 be very mild,) and early in spring affords abundant food for 

 sheep; or, if left for May, it presents a heavy crop for the 

 scythe, and may be used for soiling or making into hay. It 

 was introduced into England so late as the year 1824 is sown 

 in March, and is in full bloom and fit for the scythe by June. 

 Mr. ELLMAN says it should not be sown with grains like other 

 clovers, because it grows so fast as to choke them.* 



* Encyclopaedia of Agriculture, p. 872. Farmer's Journal, March 17, 1828. 



