104 THE CLOVERS— RED AND COWGRASS. 



out above, Dr. Masters thinks it could not have heen 

 developed from same stock as Eed Clover. 



Mr. Caekuthees, F.E.S., says it is not in commerce. 

 Its roots are creeping, and the stem takes a fresh turn 

 at every leaf, which gives it a zigzag appearance. Its 

 produce is said to be less than that of Ked Clover ; and 

 though it may not be equal value in alternate hus- 

 bandry, yet it is perhaps a more important ingredient 

 in permanent pasture than Common Eed. 



For the production of Seed it is best to cultivate clover 

 in a light and dry soil than in one that is moist or 

 strong. In the latter the plant is liable to shed its 

 seed, and carries, besides, a larger number of barren 

 flowers. The seed is usually taken from the second 

 crop, as the luxuriance of the first crop renders it more 

 likely to shed its seed. Also a number of objectionable 

 plants usually grow up with the first crop, and their 

 seeds get mixed with the clover seed. 



The Weed Seeds most commonly found in Eed Clover 

 seeds are those of the Eibgrass, but this is quite easily 

 distinguished. Sometimes Dock seeds are found, also 

 those of the Clover Dodder. The latter is a most de- 

 structive parasitical plant, the seeds of which are very 

 difficult to detect, being so small and of an earthy 

 brown colour, resembling minute pieces of soil. In 

 season 1877-78 the seed- testing station in Switzerland 

 found that 46 per cent, of the samples of Eed Clover 

 submitted to them had more or less of Dodder. Tear 

 by year, however, the percentage of samples containing 

 Dodder is growing smaller; still it must be remem- 

 bered that it is only the better class of seeds that finds 

 its way to the seed-testing station, Those who have 



