66 



On the Giant Sainfoin. 



Clare Hall, Cambridge. 



Sir, — In reply to your inquiries respecting my opinion of the Giant 

 Sainfoin, I beg to state it has been cultivated upon my farms about eight 

 years, partly upon chalk and partly upon heavy land, well drained, on 

 both of which it has succeeded well ; and I have no hesitation in stating 

 it will produce more weight, whether as soiling for horses or for hay, than 

 any other artificial grass of which I am aware. 



I have kept it in plant five years, and others a longer period, where it 

 has been more free from grass, and can speak to its superior qualities to 

 the common stock, in whatever way it may be appropriated. 



I am, Sir, yours, &c, 



To Mr. Hine. William Webb, D.D. 



Royston, Cambridgeshire. 

 Sir, — The Giant Sainfoin is fast superseding the common variety in this 

 neighbourhood. 



Having watched its progress for many years, I think its merits cannot 

 be questioned, when the extraordinary produce is known. 



The small supply of seed, and consequent high price, are the only im- 

 pediments in the way of driving the other sort out of cultivation. 



I am, Sir, yours, &c, 



To Mr. Hine. Valentine Beldam. 



Boarliunt, near FareJiam, Hants. 

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

 you that, having obtained some seed, I dibbled it in with the barley- 

 crop in 1847, beside some of the common stock, both under the same 

 treatment. 



The continuation of dry weather during the summer materially affected 

 the artificial grasses in this neighbourhood, but the Giant species mani- 

 fested much more strength and vigour than the common Sainfoin. 



This year I seeded both. Neither produced much seed, but the Giant 

 the most, and was much stronger and more bulky in crop, producing 

 afterwards considerably more herbage, which was fed off with lambs ; and 

 I particularly noticed the decided preference they gave to the Giant — 

 being turned into the field, they invariably went to that part, and ate it 

 bare before they would go upon the other. 



From what I have already witnessed, I am convinced this species is far 

 more productive than the old stock, and only requires to be known to be 

 more extensively cultivated. 



The soil upon which my seed was sowed is of a strong loamy nature, 

 with a subsoil of chalk. 



I am, Sir, yours, &c, 

 To Mr. Hine. George Creed. 



Ashwell, Herts. 



Sir, — I have had some Giant Sainfoin in plant, more or less, for fifteen or 

 sixteen years, and have always found it produce more in the first crop 

 than the common sort, as well as a crop of seed afterwards. 



I have carefully observed it since it has been grown in this parish, 

 and am so convinced of its value, that I should never again sow the 

 common stock for any purpose when this can be obtained at any reason- 

 able rate. 



I have used it for soiling for my horses, and find it superior to anything 



