MISCELLANEOUS VARIETIES OF CLOVER 317 



The word Sainfoin is equivalent to the French 

 words for sound or wholesome hay. It is also fre- 

 quently called Esparcette or Asperset, more espe-; 

 cially in Germany. It is further known in Eng- 

 land by the name Cock's Head, French Grass and 

 Medick Vetchling. In some parts of France and 

 Switzerland the name has been and probably is yet 

 applied to lucerne (Medicago sativa). 



In its habit of growth it is more woody in the 

 rootstock than clover and more branched. It also 

 grows to a greater average height. The stems, 

 which are covered with fine hairs, bear numerous 

 leaves long and pinnate. The blossoms are numer- 

 ous and of an attractive, pinkish color, brightening 

 into a crimson tint. The seed pods are flattened 

 from side to side and wrinkled, and are also sickle- 

 shaped. They bear but one seed. The roots are 

 strong and more or less branched. 



Sainfoin, as already intimated, is perennial in its 

 habit of growth. When a field is once well set with 

 the plants, it should continue to produce crops for 

 a decade, but will eventually be crowded out with 

 weeds or other grasses. It grows very early in the 

 season, quite as early, if not earlier, than alfalfa, and 

 continues to grow until autumn. 



The feeding value of sainfoin is much the same 

 as that of alfalfa. It is much esteemed where it can- 

 be grown for the production of pasture, of soiling 

 food, and also hay, valuable for enriching the land, 

 through the medium of the roots, and also when the 

 tops are plowed under as green manure. 



Sainfoin is native throughout the whole of Gen- 



