190 



HABIT OP GROWTH. 



light; but, in a latitude equally suited to both plants, it 

 would, perhaps, be somewhat difficult to say which 

 should have the preference. In some respects it is 

 decidedly superior, as in being perennial, and conse- 

 quently remaining long in the soil. I have seen fine 

 specimens of it, where the seed was sown in 1824, still 

 maintaining its vigorous hold of the soil, and growing 

 with remarkable luxuriance. The crop of lucerne is as 

 abundant as red clover, and is equally well relished by 

 cattle, both green and dry. Its yield of green fodder 

 continues later in the season than that of red clover. 



Fig. 154. 



Fig. 153. 



Lucerne sends down its tap roots in mellow soils to 

 enormous depths, having been found in sandy soils thir- 

 teen feet in length. The leaflets are in threes, obovate, 



