92 



THE CLOVEK CROP. 



the ground. The roots are fibrous, and are said to remain 

 vigorous for from fifteen to twenty years. This opinion 

 originates probably, however, from the facility with which 

 the plant sheds its seeds, and arises self-sown when placed 

 in a congenial soil. 



Trifolium procumbens Hop-Trefoil (see woodcut} 

 resembles very much another species, the T.filiforme 

 Small Yellow Clover with which it is frequently con- 

 founded. They both are of a 

 dwarf habit as compared with 

 the foregoing, and are suitable 

 for growing on soils of a dry 

 and inferior character, rather 

 than on the better class of 

 soils, where the other clovers 

 would give far more produc- 

 tive returns. They are readily 

 distinguished by the yellow 

 colour of the flowers; the stems 

 and leaves are smooth, the 

 roots fibrous, and the whole 

 plant rarely exceeding 8 or 9 

 inches in height. When added in small proportions in 

 the mixed seeds for artificial grasses, they serve to improve 

 the bottom herbage. This increases the produce whether 

 cut for hay, or fed off by sheep or cattle, to both of which 

 they are generally very palatable. 



Although there are several other species which are more 

 or less suitable for cultivation in this country, and, indeed, 

 are seen as field crops on the Continent and elsewhere, the 

 only one which claims our especial notice is the 



Trifolium incarnatum Scarlet or Italian Clover. 

 This species is widely different from any which have pre- 

 ceded it, being an annual, and having a habit of growth 

 and an appearance which readily distinguish it from any 



TBIPOLIUM PROCUMBENS Hop-Trefoil. 



