Experiment with the Veteh. 197 
it moist during the remainder of the warm weather, 
and afford some protection from frost during winter, 
the best results will undoubtedly be obtained, as a 
rule. This cover crop should also afford fertiliz- 
ing materials to the soil when turned under, and 
greatly improve the mechanical character of the soil 
as well. 
“The leguminous plants—those belonging to the 
clover family —at once suggest themselves, because 
they are rich in nitrogen, and may therefore serve 
both as cover and fertilizer. We have tried mixed 
beans and field peas, but there are objections to both, 
although either one is probably better than weeds or 
bare ground. This year we have tried the European 
vetch or tare (Vicia sativa), seed of which we ob- 
tained of J. M. Thorburn & Co., New York. This 
plant is grown for forage in England. A half bushel 
of seed was sown June 16 upon five-eighths of an acre 
of heavy clay loam. It was sown broadcast upon a 
freshly prepared surface, and well dragged in. The 
seed could have been sown later with equally as good 
effect, no doubt, and the cultivation of the orchard 
could have been continued for ten days or two weeks 
longer. The young trees of pear, plum and apricot 
have made an excellent growth this year among the 
vetch. The vetch started somewhat slowly, and the 
seeding seemed to have been too thin; but by the 
middle of September the ground was covered thickly. 
Frost came October 1, but the vetch was not injured, 
and it continued to grow until the middle of the 
month, and remained green still longer. It made a 
