i MISCELLANEOUS VARIETIES OF CLOVER 337 



same in Western areas which have shown higher 

 adaptation to the production of alfalfa seed. 



The value of sand lucerne in fertilizing sandy and 

 gravelly soils in this country may yet be very con- 

 siderable. Its value in putting humus into the same 

 may prove equally high. This value will arise 

 chiefly from its greater ability to grow on such soils 

 than various other legumes. When sown primarily 

 for such a use, heavy seeding would seem to be pref- 

 erable to ordinary seeding. 



JAPANESE CLOVER 



The United States Department of Agriculture 

 has quite recently introduced a variety of clover 

 known botanically as Lespedeza hicolor. In 1902 

 small lots of seed were distributed to ascertain the 

 value of the plant grown under American conditions. 

 Sufficient time has not yet elapsed to prove its value, 

 but the indications encourage the belief that it will 

 be of some agricultural value under certain condi- 

 tions. 



This variety of clover is more erect and less 

 branched in its habit of growth than the Japanese 

 variety Lespedeza striata. Under Michigan condi- 

 tions it was found to grow to the height of 3 feet on 

 sandy soil and to about half that height on clay soil, 

 the seed having been sown about the middle of 

 May. The stalks are about the same in structure 

 as those of alfalfa, and like alfalfa they do not lodge 

 readily. The leaves are ovate in form and of a pea- 

 green tint. The seed is formed in pods resembling 

 those of lentils, only smaller. The seeds are larger 



