AGRICULTURAL CLOVERS 77 



such as are calcareous, because lime is one of its necessities. 

 Clay marl is its special home. Fresh green manure does not suit 

 the plant, but a top-dressing of a good compost or of vegetable 

 ash generally brings a fuU crop. AU manures containing 

 potash and phosphoric acid have a magical effect on its growth. 

 Sheep injm'e it less than they do Red Clover. 



Trefoil is rarely sown alone, but frequently with White 

 Clover, and it is important that the Trefoil should not be 

 allowed to predominate, or it may take entire possession of the 

 land. Foxtail, Sweet Vernal, and Smooth-stalked Meadow 

 Grass combine well with Trefoil in affording early and valuable 

 herbage. 



Many farmers call this clover ' Hop,' but it must not be 

 confounded with the true Hop Clover, TrifoUum procumhens, 

 a native British plant, which is not used in agricultui-e. 



For illustration, description, and chemical analysis, see 

 pages 188 and 189. 



LOTUS CORNICULATUS 



{Birdsfoot Trefoil). 



As a strict perennial, attaining maturity in the second 

 year after sowing, this variety often fiUs up the bottom of a 

 pasture when other sorts are deficient, and will do this on land 

 which is clover-sick. Birdsfoot Trefoil is useful for all soils, 

 and is remarkable for its endurance of drought, however 

 extreme. On high exposed thin soils it is more productive 

 than any other closer, and it augments the total of the crop 

 without appai-ent detriment to the taller, upright-growing 

 varieties. Therefore, if expense need not be considered, 

 seed in limited quantity should be so^\'n. Unfortunately, 

 such soils do not often warrant the outlay for this clover, 

 the price of which is almost prohibitory. 



Birdsfoot Trefoil is eaten with avidity by aU kinds of 

 stock. The plant has narrow leaves, a smooth stem, and 

 bright yellow flowers, occasionally tinged with red. 



