184 



FIG CULTURE 



HAIRY VETCH. 



"This legume was found to be resistant to cold, 

 heat and drought ; occupied the ground during the 

 fall, winter and spring; decayed rapidly when 

 turned under; and enriched the soil by its ability 

 to 'fix' or utilize atmospheric nitrogen when prop- 

 erly innoculated — that is, when the bacteria were 

 present to cause the formation of root nodules." 

 (U. S. Cir. P. I., 15.) Although requiring about 

 six months to attain heavy growth, it has great 

 value for winter use, withstanding lower tem- 

 peratures than common vetch, but maturing more 

 slowly. Most fruit growers prefer the other variety 

 where the prevailing winter weather is not below 

 20 deg. F. 



HORSE BEANS. 



Although this is a staple forage plant in Europe, 

 called there a common field bean, very little trial 

 has been made in the United States, but successful 

 experiments suggest its further use. 



JAPAN CLOVER. 



"It makes a better growth than any other plant 

 on poor, barren clay soils. It quickly takes pos- 

 session of uncultivated fields and holds them from 

 washing and protects them from the hot sun. " (Ark. 

 Bull., 36.) Japan clover is better known as Lespe- 

 deza. 



