GREEN FORAGE AND HAY CROPS 



123 



Vetches. — -Only two of the vetches grown in this country are 

 of importance for feeding purposes: Common vetch (Vicia sativa) 

 and hairy or Russian vetch (V. villosa, Fig. 20). The former 

 is an annual grown rather extensively for hay on the Pacific coast 

 and to some extent in the South. There are two strains : Winter 

 vetch, sown in the fall, and spring vetch, sown in the spring. Hairy 

 vetch is a biennial, much more hardy than the common vetch, and 



Fig. 20. — A South Carolina vetch field. Hairy vetch will grow in most sections of 

 the country, yielding, on the average, about two tons of hay of excellent quality. It is a 

 good crop to grow where red clover fails, and also makes a good cover crop. (Breeders' 

 Gazette.) 



can be grown almost anywhere in the country, withstanding well 

 the winters of northeastern United States. Both vetches make an 

 excellent quality of hay and also furnish luxurious pasture that is 

 eagerly eaten by farm animals. The yields of hay obtained average 

 about 2!/2 tons to the acre. Hairy vetch is perhaps the best legume 

 for sections where red clover fails, and this is especially true for 

 sandy soils. In the northern States it can be used to seed in corn 



