CLOVERS. 93 
sometimes from this basis it branches out considerably. For- 
tunately it seems to have an aversion for open ground, and is 
seldom, if ever, found on pastures. It flowers very late indeed. 
Some botanists have confused this worthless plant with the 
cultivated cow grass, Trifolium pratense perenne. 
WoopLanD Cow CLover (TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE, 
VAR. SYLVESTRE, SYME). 
Trifolium sylvestre is not only indigenous, but exceedingly 
common in the eastern counties, notably in the valleys of the 
Yare and Waveney. Found as it is on most good pastures, its 
presence is accepted as a favourable indication of their quality, 
which seems to be supported by the fact that as soon as one 
begins to improve marshy or even wet ground it is noticeable. 
When writing these notes we turned to a copy of a book on 
flowering plants, published by the Naturalists’ Society (vol. 3), 
in which Mr. W. D. Geldart, a local botanist of considerable 
repute, had written an article upon Z7dfoliums. Our reference 
shows us that although he mentioned sixteen varieties as 
occurring in Norfolk, Z+zfolium sylvestre was not included 
amongst them; and as the Rev. Kk. Trimmer follows his 
example, we can only infer that this plant is known in Norfolk 
under some other name. 
We were considerably astonished at this apparent omission, 
and, unless we have surmised aright, can hardly understand 
how it could have occurred. 
Trifolium sylvestre seems to have nothing in common with 
Trifolium medium, except its perennial nature. It seems to be 
more of a dwarf Zrifolium, and in comparison with others its 
roots are more fibrous, whilst the plant itself consists of a 
number of small stems with the flower nestling closely to the 
base of the leaves. It flowers very early, about a fortnight 
before common clover, three weeks before Z7ifolium pratense 
perenne, anda month before Z7folium medium. 
