FORAGE CROPS 



143 



CRIMSON CLOVER {TrifoHiun incarnatuDi) 



This species of clover has received the attention of the Sta- 

 tion throughout the past three years, and has already been 

 reported upon in Bulletin No. 37, July, 1896. Our experience 

 with it has been such as to lead us to discard it. It doubtless 

 would be valuable where the climate is milder and more favora- 

 ble for its growth, but in New Hampshire, we believe it has 

 little value, as compared with other plants. A report on sow- 

 ing the seed at various times throughout the year will appear in 

 the Annual Report of this year. 



LUPINE {Liipiiius albiis) 



The white variety of lupine has been grown for the past two 

 years. As it readily matures, when sown in early spring it 

 usually is ready to turn under as a green manure in early Au- 

 gust. This crop is used to quite an extent in Europe for this 

 purpose. The plants grow on an average 2 feet, 4 inches high 

 with us, and when allowed to ripen, their fruit produce at the 

 rate of from two to three pods, containing four beans each, per 

 plant. The seeds contain a bitter alkaloid, which is injurious 

 to animals in the crude state. In Europe, this objectionable 

 feature is overcome by soaking them for a day or two in water 

 frequently changed, and then boiling for an hour, when the pro- 

 cess of extraction, through stirring and changing the water, is 

 again carried on for two days longer. After this process, the 

 residue, which is now relieved of the alkaloid, makes a highly 

 nitrogenous food, and is fed at the rate of five pounds a day 

 per 1,000 pounds live weight. 



The seeds are about the size of Lima beans. We sow^ed 

 them in rows, 3 feet apart, and cultivated between the rows, 

 but they doubtless would do well, and perhaps give a heavier 

 vield if sown broadcast. There are two other varieties, which 

 are more commonly in use, — the yellow and blue lupines. Our 

 soil was heavier than that for which they are recommended ; 

 they should be grow^n upon light, rather sandy soils, where they 

 are said to make a rapid growth. Belonging as they do to the 

 leguminous order, they enrich the soil in nitrogen besides add- 



