On the Giant Sainfoin. 



65 



and appeared very strong and vigorous in the autumn and during the 

 winter, the severe frosts making no impression upon it. 



Being planted by the side of a piece of clover, the rapidity of growth in 

 comparison was remarkable in the spring of the year, and by the 26th of 

 May it was ready for the scythe, when there was at least 30 cwt. of 

 hay per acre. In a few weeks afterwards the crop was again knee high, 

 and in good condition for stable-food or second crop of hay ; but wishing 

 to procure more seed, I allowed it to remain for that purpose, after which 

 it produced herbage 7 or 8 inches high. 



I certainly consider it a most valuable plant for agricultural purposes 

 generally. 



I am, Sir, yours, &c, 

 To Mr. Hine. William Stride. 



West Hagbourne, Berks. 



Sir, — In reply to your inquiries respecting the Giant Sainfoin, I beg to 

 inform you that I succeeded very well. 



The seed was drilled upon a light loam soil, with a crop of wheat, at 

 the rate of 2 bushels per acre. 



The first crop I mowed for horses, the second was seeded, and the third 

 fed with sheep. 



I certainly consider it far superior to the common stock. 



I am, Sir, yours, &c, 



To Mr. Hine. J. Lousley. 



Molland, Ash, near Sandwich, Kent. 



Sir, — In reply to yours respecting the Giant Sainfoin, I beg to state I 

 sowed the three sacks of seed you sent me, upon 3^ acres of poor thin 

 staple with a subsoil of chalk, in a crop of wheat, which in the spring was 

 attacked with wire-worm, and the Sainfoin suffered considerably from the 

 same cause ; but though in consequence the plant was thin, it realized the 

 next year a good crop for hay, and afterwards a crop of seed, with an 

 aftermath about equal to that of the old stock after the hay-crop only. 



I am therefore perfectly satisfied with the trial I have given it, and 

 shall certainly recommend it to the notice of the Sainfoin growers in this 

 neighbourhood. 



I am, Sir, yours, &c, 

 To Mr. Hine. Austen Gardner. 



Lanark, near Weston, Heiis. 



Sir, — In reply to your inquiries respecting the Giant Sainfoin, I beg to 

 state that I have grown it about ten years, and have always found its 

 properties the same. 



I have been an extensive cultivator of the common stock of Sainfoin, 

 and have also grown Lucern for soiling for stock ; but there is no doubt in 

 my mind as to the superiority of the Giant Sainfoin to either, for any pur- 

 pose, as it produces more weight per acre, and the quality is decidedly 

 superior to Lucern, or any other green food I ever grew. 



I have experimented upon it in a variety of ways, and do not hesitate to 

 pronounce it a most valuable plant ; and no one who knows its value as 

 well as myself will for long remain without it. 



I am, Sir, yours, &c, 



To Mr. Hine. Joseph Beaumont, 



vol. x. 



F 



