SUNDRY AGRICULTURAL PLANTS 79 



manure are certain to reduce its bulk by increasing the 

 strength of surrounding grasses. Mineral manures alone seem 

 to favour its development. 



For illustration, description, and chemical analysis, see 

 pages 190 and 191. 



CICHORIUM INTYBUS 



(Chicory, ov Succory). 



A perennial which grows wild in dry wastes, on roadsides, 

 and the borders of fields in many parts of England. When in 

 bloom its bright blue flowers are very conspicuous. The plant 

 is cultivated to a considerable extent on the Continent, and 

 the blanched leaves have been used from time immemorial for 

 salads. Chicory flourishes on nearly every class of soil, and 

 has been proved to be profitable on poor sands as well as 

 on richer and more productive land. Associated with Burnet 

 and mixed grasses and clovers, seed may be sown to produce 

 pasturage for sheep and cattle. The radical leaves, which 

 shoot up close to the ground, are continually cropped by stock, 

 and afford excellent fodder. 



MEDICAGO SATIVA 



(Lucerne). 



Dr. Stebler controverts the opinion that the common 

 name of this plant is derived from the canton or town of 

 Lucerne, in Switzerland, although he is at a loss to account 

 for the appellation. 



Lucerne was known to the ancient Greeks and Romans as 

 a forage plant. It is mentioned by ^'^irgil, and by several agri- 

 cultural craters at the beginning of the Christian era. In Persia 

 and other Eastern countries the plant is stiU used for horses. 

 Throughout the American continent it is kno^^Ti by the Spanish 

 name of Alfalfa. 



