On Clover Allies as Fodder Plants. 
291 
X. Lathyrus .. .. Vetchling. 
XI. Ulcx Furze. 
I. — ViciA — Yetch, Tare. 
In this genus we Lave plants with about six pairs of leaflets 
to each leaf, the terminal or end leaflet being transformed into a 
tendril. The genus includes the following species which have 
formed subjects for experiment with a view to cultivation. 
Vicia angustifolia, Narrow-leaved Vetch. 
Vicia angustifolia, var. sativa, Farm Vetch. 
Vicia cracca. Tufted or Cow Vetch. 
Vicia sepium, Bush Vetch. 
Some fifteen years since I gathered some seeds of the Vicia 
angustifolia with a view to experiments, which were carried on for 
about five years ; and it may briefly be stated that from a plant 
only a few inches in length was obtained one measuring more 
than three feet, and that the seeds, which when first gathered 
and partially dried weighed on an average half a grain each, 
were first, after cultivation, doubled, and then, by selection, soon 
trebled in weight : the larger seeds being chosen for this en- 
nobling process. 
These experiments showed how easily cultivated plants may 
be produced from even unlikely wild forms, and if so, how 
readily varieties may be introduced ; nay, more precisely, that 
our cultivated vetch, V. sativa, is but a cultivated form of the 
V. angustifolia. 
The increase in size and weight of vetch seeds by cultivation 
and selection has an important practical bearing. In order to 
show this I some time since selected from a market sample of 
vetches two hundred seeds of three sizes, which I will dis- 
tinguish as — 1, small; 2, larger ; and 3, largest. These on being 
weighed and measured gave the following results : — 
Seeds. 
Weighed 
Measured 
To the BusheL 
in Grains. 
in Drachms. 
Seeds. 
1. 
200 
210 
... 3i = 
585,728 
2. 
200 
330 
.. .. 6 = 
563,200 
3. 
200 
865 
.. .. m = 
492,086 
The seeds were planted in plots of equal extent, and yielded 
fodder almost in proportion to the size of the seed, that of (3) 
greatly preponderating. From this and subsequent trials in field 
crops I am convinced that the larger even-sized vetches are the 
best for seed and most profitable, in spite of hardy assertions to 
the contrary often heard at market. 
Though the V. cracca naturally seeks the support of bushes, it 
BlFOIJATE. 
Two leaflets. 
Spixose. 
Thorny, 
