88 



THE CLOVER CROP. 



or rather oblong head, furnished with a straight seed- 

 pod, not jointed, and containing but one or two, very rarely 

 three or four seeds. The following species are those most 

 commonly met with in cultivation in this country: 



Trifolium pratense Common Red Clover. Of this 

 there are several varieties, which differ principally in the 



duration of the growth 

 and the time they take 

 to arrive at their full 

 maturity. Mr. Law- 

 son therefore suggests 

 a separation of those 

 varieties which, from 

 their habit of growth, 

 are most suitable for ro- 

 tation husbandry, from 

 those of more permanent 

 growth, which he recom- 

 mends as best adapted 

 for sowing down in per- 

 manent pastures. Al- 

 though the most short- 

 lived varieties will be 

 found to last for several 

 years, still they lose 

 their vigour of growth 

 and comparative power 

 of production, much earlier than some of the other 

 more persistent varieties. Of those recommended for 

 rotation sowing, the Common Red or Purple -headed 

 clover is the most important. This variety differs from 

 the Perennial Red clover by its roots being more fusi- 

 form and fleshy, and by its leaves and stems being gene- 

 rally smoother and less hairy. It is a very vigorous and 

 productive grower in suitable soils, furnishing a large 



TttiFOLiUM PRATENSE- Common Red Clover. 



