SEPTEMBER, 1900, TO DECEMBER, 1903. 157 



only, and is therefore sown in such regions as can be irrigated two or three times. 

 It should be sown in autumn, on land with a limited power of irrigation, and will 

 yield, on an average, about 6 tons of green fodder per acre at the first cutting and 

 4 or 5 at the second. It makes better hay than the Muscowi, but can not be consid- 

 ered of as great importance as that variety. The root system of this variety is longer 

 than in either of the others." {Fairchild.) 



7658. Trifolium alexandrinum. Berseem. 



From Cairo, Egypt. Received through Mr. D. G. Fairchild (No. 643, May 9, 

 1901), October 10, 1901. 



Fachl. ' ' This variety differs materially from the Muscowi (No. 7659 ) , being used on 

 land which is irrigated by the basin system, that is, by being overflowed for forty 

 days in the autumn. The seed is broadcasted at the rate of a bushel an acre on the 

 mud, and no later irrigations are found necessary, as the plant gives only one cutting. 

 This, however, yields 9 tons of green fodder per acre and makes a better hay than 

 the Muscowi. In order to secure the seed of this variety it is the practice to sow the 

 same broadcast with wheat or barley, and the seed is separated from the grain by 

 thrashing, it being much smaller and lighter. This variety will be limited in its use 

 to regions where only one irrigation can be given during the winter, or possibly may 

 prove valuable as a spring forage crop." {Fairchild.) 



7659. Trifolium alexandrinum. Berseem. 



From Cairo, Egypt. Received through Mr. D. G. Fairchild (No. 644), October 

 10, 1901. Secured through the kindness of the secretary of the Khedivial 

 Agricultural Society of Egypt, Mr. George P. Foaden. 



Muscowi. "The great fodder and soiling crop of Egypt. An annual, leguminous, 

 green fodder crop, considered indispensable by the Egyptians as a half-year rotation 

 with cotton. Its fodder-producing value, effect upon the soil in storing up nitrogen, 

 and cleansing effect are considered exceptional. It will be best suited to irrigated 

 lands in warm climates, but might also be tested as a spring fodder crop in the 

 northwestern coast States. In Egypt the seed is sown generally in October, after 

 the soil has been thoroughly irrigated to prepare a moist bed for the seed. It is 

 sown broadcast at the rate of not less than 40 pounds per acre. Even as high as 50 

 to 60 pounds are sown. This is due in part to the prevalence of weevils in the seed, 

 which sometimes destroy the germinating power of a large percentage. The seed 

 should be harrowed into the soil lightly, and when started the young plants should 

 be given plenty of water. In Egypt the plants grow so rapidly that if sown toward 

 the end of October a first cutting can be made after forty-five or fifty days, but if 

 sown later, after the cooler weather has set in, it takes a much longer time for the 

 plants to develop. Depending upon the amount of water and the temperature, the 

 plants yield from four to five cuttings, yielding for the first and second cuttings about 

 8 tons of green forage per cutting and for the third and fourth cuttings somewhat 

 less. In order to secure seed for next year's planting the plants should be left to 

 stand after the fourth cutting, when they will go to seed. In Egypt the seed pro- 

 duction is larger and heavier than in the case of clover. After each cutting a suffi- 

 ciently long period should elapse before the plants are irrigated again, to allow the 

 cut surfaces of the stems to dry out; otherwise the water will rot the plants. This 

 fodder plant deserves a thorough test in the Colorado Desert region, beet-sugar regions 

 of the Southwest, and as a soiling crop in the orchards of California." {Fairchild.) 



7660. Triticum yulgare. Wheat. 



From Cairo, Egypt. Received through Mr. D. G. Fairchild (No. 638, May 9, 

 1901), October 10, 1901. 



Bohi. "A soft wheat which is grown popularly about Cairo, and is considered one 

 of the best soft wheats of Egypt. This sample comes from the grounds of the Khe- 

 divial Agricultural Society and was remarkably free from Puccinia, although the 

 American wheat varieties, Henderson's Pedigreed and Gold Corn, growing adjacent, 

 were very badly rusted. This Bohi is an early ripening sort, at least one month earlier 

 than above-mentioned American wheats. It is improbable that this variety will 

 withstand a very low temperature, and it ought to do best in irrigated regions of the 

 Southwest. It is planted about the 20th of November in Egypt and is cut the first 

 week in May, although, from an American standpoint, it would be ripe by the last 

 week in April. All wheat is left until dead ripe before cutting in Egypt. The tem- 

 perature during the winter seldom goes below 40° F." [Fairchild.) 



