HEAVY SEEDS. 117 
SAINFOIN—CINQUEFOIL (ONOBRYCHIS SATIVA). 
This grass is largely cultivated on both sides of the English 
Channel, and many people are under the impression that the 
name given to it by the French, ‘‘ Cizg foin,” indicates that, in 
their opinion, it is five times as good as the ordinary grass for 
hay. When we consider the quality and the quantity it pro- 
duces, there may be some truth in the supposition ; but without 
attempting to detract from its value, we think the greatest 
enthusiast in favour of it will have to admit this description is 
rather overdrawn. In our opinion the correct soubriguet is 
Cing fotl— Anglice—tfive leaved. 
Sainfoin was cultivated in England long before the present 
century, but whether the plant originated in England or in 
France will probably remain a moot point, although its 
settlement is of no importance. 
For light land sainfoin is, without doubt, one of -our most 
valuable plants ; its crop is abundant, and its produce is second 
to none in value, being superior even to lucerne. It is not 
always easy to establish a plant, as it will only grow on light 
lands which have a calcareous sub-soil, or where chalk is 
present. Sometimes it will thrive on sharp gravelly lands, but 
here it is liable to burn. It has also been known to take, when 
chalk is present, on heavy lands which are well drained. 
There are two kinds of sainfoin, which are dissimilar from 
each other in their habits, namely, giant sainfoin, and common 
sainfoin. 
Giant sainfoin is generally used in alternate husbandry, as it 
is not a perennial, and it yields a crop of seed after the hay 
crop has been taken off, which cannot be obtained from the 
common variety. It is usual to first feed giant sainfoin, or to 
mow it, then to feed it again. When the weather is warm and 
suitable it keeps constantly growing, but not being permanent, 
it is not so much in favour as common sainfoin, which stands 
