more oue-sided is usually the exhaustion of the soil, and the sooner, 

 as a rule, will be noticed a decrease in the annual yield. The intro- 

 duction of a greater variety of fodder plants enables us to meet bet- 

 ter the differences in local conditions of climate and of soil, as well 

 as the special wants of different branches of farm industry. In 

 choosing plants for that purpose, it seems advisable to select crops 

 which would advantageously supplement our leading fodder crop 

 (aside from the products of pastures and meadows), — the fodder corn 

 and corn stover. 



Taking this view of the question, the great and valuable family of 

 leguminous plants, as clovers, vetches, lucerne, serradella, peas, 

 beans, lupines, etc., is, in a particular degree, well qualified for tliat 

 purpose. They deserve also a decided recommendation in the inter- 

 est of a wider range, for the introduction of economical systems of 

 rotation, under various conditions of soil, and different requirements 

 of markets. Most of these fodder plants have an extensive root sys- 

 tem, and, for this reason, largely draw their plant food from the 

 lower portion of the soil. The amount of stubble and roots they leave 

 behind after the crop has been harvested is exceptionally large, and 

 decidedly improves both the physical and chemical condition of the 

 soil. The lands are consequently better fitted for the production of 

 shallow-growing crops, as grains, etc. Large productions of fodder 

 crops assist in the economical raising of general farm crops ; although 

 the area devoted to cultivation is reduced, the total yield of the land 

 is usually more satisfactory. 



The subsequent tabular statement contains a list of fodder crops 

 raised on the lauds of the Station. Those marked with * have been 

 tried successfully on a large scale for fodder. The remainder seem 

 to be well adapted to our climate. All are reported in their dry 

 state, to compare their relative nutritive character as well as the 

 value of their fertilizing constituents. For further details see annual 

 report for 1889: (VII.) :— 



