138 AGRICULTURE 



Its deep roots get water and plant food from the subsoil. The 

 cowpea grows rapidly, and in three months adds to the soil two 

 thirds as much fertility as does red clover in eighteen months, 

 besides producing a larger quantity of hay of equal feeding 

 value. 



Soy Bean. The soy bean is a legume with many of the good 

 qualities of the cowpea. It has the advantage of an upright growth 

 .and greater ability to resist drought. 



Aljalja. Alfalfa is a wonderfully productive legume. It is 

 the principal forage plant on the irrigated lands of the West. It 

 can be grown in all sections of the United States, where the soil is 

 properly prepared and inoculated. In some of the eastern states 

 it is called lu cerne', the name by which it is known in Europe. 

 Alfalfa is the Arabic name used by the Spaniards, who introduced 

 it into Mexico. 



Alfalfa roots descend ten feet, or deeper, and use food and water 

 out of reach of most crops. The land for it must be fertile and 

 well drained. Alfalfa is a slow-growing plant and needs to be 

 protected against quick-growing weeds. It should be kept mowed 

 and free from weeds. 



It does not reach its prime for three or four years, but produces 

 from three to seven cuttings of hay every year for ten, fifteen, 

 twenty years, or longer. If allowed to bloom and form seeds before 

 it is mowed, its growth and vigor are lessened. 



Other Legumes. There are many other legumes used more or 

 less extensively for pasturage and hay. Canada field peas and 

 Alsike, or Swedish clover, require a cool climate; velvet beans 

 require a warm one ; vetches and Dutch, or white, clover thrive in 

 both. 



The peanut is a legume which is cultivated chiefly for the nuts. 

 These are used for food and candy making, and for an oil re- 



