CRIMSON CLOVER 24 1 



greatest use lies in the beneficial influence which it 

 exerts upon soils by enriching them and also improv- 

 ing their mechanical condition. It is likely, there- 

 fore, to be grow^n more for this purpose than for 

 any other. While growing it in many instances 

 will not render unnecessary the use of commercial 

 fertilizers, it will greatly reduce the quantity of these 

 that would otherwise be necessary. Owing to the 

 season at which it is grown, it will be found quite 

 helpful in destroying weeds. 



The behavior of crimson clover has thus far been 

 somewhat erratic, e^'cn in areas where the condi- 

 tions are looked upon as generally favorable to its 

 growth. The opinions of practical men differ much 

 with reference to its value. There have been many 

 instances of success and failure in the same locality, 

 and even in the experience of the same individual. 

 These varied experiences are doubtless due in a con- 

 siderable degree to a difference in seasons, to want 

 of acclimation in the seed sown, to a difference in 

 varieties and to want of knowledge on the part of 

 the growers, whose work, heretofore, has been 

 largely tentative. Five different varieties have been 

 grown, and these have not shown equal degrees of 

 hardiness. But the rapidly increasing sales of seed 

 point to the conclusion that larger areas are being 

 sown every year. The increase referred to may be 

 expected to grow greater for many years to come; 

 since, when the needs of the plant are better under- 

 stood, the failures will be fewer. 



Distribution. —Crimson clover is probably indig- 

 enous to certain parts of Europe, especially to the 



