124 HOW TO GROW GOOD CLOVER. 



last only two years, but with constant depasturing- 

 we see no reason why the same roots should not send 

 up herbage for five or even ten years. 



However theoretical such inquiries may be deemed, 

 yet it must be confessed that they are of great prac- 

 tical importance; for, if a plant has a tendency to 

 run into varieties, it makes it daily more difficult to 

 get its seed true to sort ; and if we are liable to have 

 a sample, part of which may be less hardy or part 

 more tardy in its development, it follows that much 

 of it may never arrive at maturity, whilst if it does, 

 as the crop will be uneven, it can never be reckoned 

 upon for so good a yield. 



Much of the variable nature of the sorts which we 

 observe in a clover-field may be the result of the 

 mixing of seeds from different and distant localities : 

 if so, it is much to be regretted. But this only tends 

 to show us how important it is that seed should be 

 grown with care, to which end, as regards clover- 

 seed, we sadly want some well-conducted experiments 

 on different varieties, especially of a wild native plant, 

 with a view to obtain a sample with good, permanent, 

 and even qualities. In fact, the question of true of 

 sort is altogether different from that of purity of 

 sample; but that very serious mischief arises from 

 the want of the latter will be discussed in another 

 chapter. 



