'tRIFOLIU.AI,' crimson or ITALIAN CLOVER 647 



clover sieves. Length, i'5 to 2^2 mm.; breadth, i'3 mm.; width, 

 I mm. In form they resemble a broad bean (Fig. 

 191), and are never kidney-shaped like lucerne 

 seeds. They are also more regular and plumper 

 than the latter. Where the radicle ends just near the 

 micropyle is a well-marked projection, which is very 

 characteristic of this species, and readily betrays its Fig. 196.— Seed 

 presence when used for purposes of adulteration. On °f'^'="o»"«'"o.i. 

 viewing the seed on edge, as mentioned under lucerne, the radicle 

 is seen to be situated symmetrically between the cotyledons. 



Colour and Brightness. — The colour is pale buff or greenish 

 yellow, and the seeds are considerably brighter than those of 

 lucerne. 



Purity. — There is rarely any fault to be found with samples 

 in respect of purity. 



The Germin.atign Capacity should be at least 90 to 95 per 

 cent., the hard seeds averaging about 10 per cent. 



Weight. — A bushel weighs 66 lbs. ; 1000 seeds about i '6 grams. 

 ' Trifolium,' Crimson or Italian Clover {TrifoUuin inmi-- 

 natuDi L.). — Two or three varieties of this plant are in the 

 market, differing in the colour of the flowers and in their ripen- 

 ing period. The seeds of all are alike, except those of the white 

 flowered variety, which are sometimes rather paler than the others. 

 Form and Size. — The seeds are almost perfectly oval, the out- 

 line of the radicle of the embryo being scarcely 

 visible on the outside. In size they are consider- 

 ably larger than any of the commoner clovers, 

 being 2-5 to 3 mm. long, 2 mm. wide, and about 

 I "5 mm. thick. 



Colour and Brightness. — In good, new 

 seed the surface is a rich, reddish yellow ; but old 

 samples are of a darker tint. Tlic hilum is almost 

 white, with a ring of deep red round it. New seed has a bright, 

 glossy ajjpearance, and only very old specimens are at all dull. 



Fig. 197. — Seed of 

 Crimson Clover. 



