The Serradella, like the vetch, is an annual leguminous plant, which 

 has found its way from Portugal into central Europe some fifty years 

 ago. It grows from one foot to one foot and one-half high, and pre- 

 fers a moist deep sandy soil. Time of seeding and mode of cultiva- 

 tion correspond with those customary in the cultivation of peas. The 

 growth of the plant is slow unlil the time of blooming, when it rapid- 

 l}- increases in size and nutritive constituents. The close of the 

 blooming period at the end of Angust, is the best time for cntting the 

 crop. Leading agriculturalists speak very highly of this fodder 

 plant. 



189. VETCH. 



(Vicia sativa, var. angustifolia) . 

 I. Collected from experimental plats, Aug. 15th, 1883, in bloom. 



I. 



The vetch has received already considerable attention in various 

 sections of the country ; reports thus far speak with much satisfac- 

 tion of the results. The plant resembles in many respects the com- 

 mon garden pea ; there are early and late varieties in cultivation. 

 Its period of vegetation is from 18 to 22 weeks, and the time for 

 seeding corresponds with that of the pea. The common vetch is a 

 hardier plant than the latter, and grows well upon an inferior soil. 

 Its reputation as a valuable green fodder, either single or when grown 

 in common with rey, oats, or barley, is well established. 



