THE VETCHES, SWEET CLOVERS, AND OTHERS 297 



of seed varies from 3 to 9 bushels per acre, and at present 

 prices, $10 per bushel, is a profitable crop. Most of 

 the seed used is imported. 



299. Spring vetch. Spring vetch closely resembles 

 hairy vetch in its general appearance and manner of 

 growth. It is an annual, and differs from hairy vetch 

 in the size and shape of the pods and in the size of the 

 seed. The seed pod is black in color and is longer and 

 only about one-half as wide as that of hairy vetch, but 



FIG. 107. A field of vetch in full bloom. 



the seeds are somewhat longer than those of the latter. 

 It is less resistant to cold than hairy vetch, and for this 

 reason is less commonly grown in the northern part of the 

 United States. In Western Oregon and Washington, 

 however, where it is grown as a winter crop with oats 

 or wheat for hay, it is of considerable importance. In the 

 South it is grown largely for green manure or as a winter 

 crop with cereals for forage. Spring vetch is regarded 

 with high favor in England as a soiling crop, and is more 



