446 LEGUMINOUS PLANTS, 



The result will not fulfill his expectation. But even if it could, the 

 manuring thus given directly by the labor of the planter is more costly 

 than if he would allow time and opportunity for nature to help to manure 

 for him ; whether alone, or still better if aided by preparing for and sow- 

 ing the native pea, to the production of which your climate is so emi- 

 nently favorable. All the accumulations of leaves raked from the poor 

 pine forest, wiih the slight additional value which may be derived from 

 the otherwise profitless maintenance of poor cattle, will supply less of 

 food to plants, and at greater cost, than would be furnished by an un- 

 mixed growth of peas, all left to serve as manure. 



The native or Southern pea, (as it ought to be called,) of "such general 

 and extensive culture in this and other Southern States, is the most valu- 

 able for manuring crops, and also offers peculiar and great advantages as 

 a rotation crop. The seeds (in common with other peas and. beans) are 

 more nutritious,, as food for man and beast, than any of the cereal grains. 

 The other parts of the plant furnish the best and most palatable provender 

 for beasts. They may be so well made in your climate, as a secondary 

 growth under corn, that it is never allowed to be a primary crop, or to 

 have entire possession of the land. It will grow well broadcast, and 

 either in that way, or still better if tilled ; and is of an admirable and 

 cleansing growth. It is even better than clover as a preparing and ma- 

 nuring crop for wheat. In one or other of the various modes in which 

 , the pea-crop may be produced, it may be made to suit well in a rotation 

 with any other crops. Though for a Jong time I had believed in some of 

 l he great advantages of the pea-crop, and had even commenced its cul- 

 ture as a manuring crop, and on a large scale, it was not until I after- 

 wards saw the culture, growth, and uses in South Carolina, that I learned 

 to estimate its value properly, and perhaps more fully than is done by 

 any who, in this State, avail themselves so largely of some of its benefits. 

 Since, I have made this crop » most important member of my rota- 

 tion, its culture, as a. manuring crop, has now become general in my 

 neighborhood, and is rapidly extending to more distant places. If all the 

 advantages offered by this crop were fully appreciated and availed of, the 

 possession of this plant in your climate would be one of the greatest agri- 

 cultural blessings of this and the more Southern States. For my individ- 

 ual share of this benefit, stinted aB it is by our colder climate, I estimate 

 it as adding, at least, one thousand bushels of wheat annually to my 

 crop.'' 



I can add nothing to what is said above. 



I am, Colonel, very respectfully yours, etc., 



H. M. POLK. 



Boliver, Hardeman county, Tennessee. 



