FORAGE CROPS. 7 



from the same ten acres during the growing period 

 of the year mentioned, and that much unused forage 

 was plowed under as green manure, the firmament 

 of possible production becomes all ablaze with prom- 

 ise. The first to look at those happy indications will 

 probably be the first to engage in growing forage 

 crops. 



Plants Discussed. — The plants discussed in the 

 book include those which can be grown for forage 

 in any part of the tillable areas of the United States 

 and Canada, grasses excepted. Some varieties, how- 

 ever, but little known, or of only local value, are 

 doubtless not included. The attempt has been made 

 to classify or group them in the hope of rendering 

 the discussion more simple and concise. But in the 

 absence of a guide, it is possible that some exception 

 may be taken to the classification adopted. It is 

 based largely on family relationships and, to some 

 extent, on similarity of treatment required in grow- 

 ing them. 



In discussing the various plants considered, it 

 has been the aim to give them space in the order of 

 their relative importance. But it was not in all 

 instances found practicable to do so, and for the 

 reason that the relative importance of several of 

 these plants has not yet been determined. Experi- 

 ence in growing them has also been so limited that 

 some time must yet elapse before such experience will 

 be forthcoming. In the judgment of the writer, a 

 great future awaits the growing of vetches for 

 forage and soiling food in our country, but at the 

 present time the growth of these crops is greatly 

 circumscribed. Their adaptation, therefore, to cer- 

 tain localities is, in the meantime, a matter of con- 



