RED CLOVER 



423 



The single carpel of the gynfficium has a long style and a one- 

 celled ovary containing two ovules. 



The fruit of red clover, is a one-seeded capsule (Fig. 130) 

 the upper part of which separates from the lower along an 

 irregular transverse line (pyxidium). 



Varieties. — Red Glaven {Trifolium pralense L.) is a wild plant 

 common in meadows and pastures 

 throughout Europe. In a wild state 

 it is variable in its habit of growth 

 and durability, but usually lasts from 

 three to four years. The seeds of 

 this truly wild indigenous plant 

 would no doubt be very useful in 

 mixtures for leys and permanent 

 pastures, but none are met with in 

 commerce except in name. 



The cultivation of the plant as a 

 fodder crop was introduced into l^^^\^ :^llt^,t:'' Jg^^^\. 

 this country from the Continent in "f.-^^'i'iiover. ;; style. .?<; sti^ma. 3. 



J Kipe fruit (pyxidium) containing the 



the early part of the seventeenth single seed 4. 5 Gynaedumof white 



J ^ ^ clover (two and a half times the 



century, and from that time to the natural size.) 

 present its cultivation has spread 

 extensively. 



So far as our experience goes no 

 seeds appear to be in commerce 

 which have been derived from the 

 wild plant within recent times, all 

 those sold being the progeny of 

 plants which have been under the 

 influence of cultivation for long 

 periods of time. 



Among these samples obtainable from the seedsman are a con- 

 siderable number of varieties varying in hardiness, yielding 

 capacity, and slight botanical features ; none of the differences, 



Flower of red clover. 



Fig. 130. — Fruit (pyxidium) of red 

 clover; on the upper part a portion of 

 the withered style is seen (enlarged.) 



