Experiment with the Vetch. 197 



it moist during the remainder of the warm weather, 

 and afford some protection from frost during winter, 

 the best results will undoubtedly be obtained, as a 

 rule. This cover crop should also afford fertiliz- 

 ing materials to the soil when turned under, and 

 greatly improve the mechanical character of the soil 

 as well. 



'' The leguminous plants those belonging to the 

 clover family at once suggest themselves, because 

 they are rich in nitrogen, and may therefore serve 

 both as cover and fertilizer. We have tried mixed 

 beans and field peas, but there are objections to both, 

 although either one is probably better than weeds or 

 bare ground. This year we have tried the European 

 vetch or tare (Vicia sativa) , seed of which we ob- 

 tained of J. M. Thorburn & Co., New York. This 

 plant is grown for forage in England. A half bushel 

 of seed was sown June 16 upon five -eighths of an aero 

 of heavy clay loam. It was sown broadcast upon a 

 freshly prepared surface, and well dragged in. The 

 seed could have been sown later with equally as good 

 effect, no doubt, and the cultivation of the orchard 

 could have been continued for ten days or two weeks 

 longer. The young trees of pear, plum and apricot 

 have made an excellent growth this year among the 

 vetch. The vetch started somewhat slowly, and the 

 seeding seemed to have been too thin ; but by the 

 middle of September the ground was covered thickly. 

 Frost came October 1, but the vetch was not injured, 

 and it continued to grow until the middle of th i 

 month, and remained green still longer. It made a 



