Fruit. 
Germination. 
10 
the slicky pollen to the body of the insect, in such a way as to effect ils transport to the stigma of 
another flower, — cross fertilization*), are very varied. 
The fruit is a pod (legume). It opens longitudinally by the ventral and dorsal sutures, forming 
a pair of valves which usually become spirally twisted. The seeds are attached only to one margin 
of each valve — the ventral suture. At times partitions grow across the ovary; each seed then lies in 
a separate compartment by itself. Such a pod, when ripe, splits transversely into single-seeded portions 
which never open (Ornithopus sativus). At times, the fruit contains only one seed; then, it either does 
not open at all (Sainfoin), or it splits irregularly (Red clover). 
The seed has usually a smooth shining skin. The point at which the seed is detached from its 
stalk, is represented on the skin by a small, round or elliptical spot, which is dull and light in colour ; 
this is the hilum. At one end of the hilum lies the micropyle; it appears as a very minute aperture, 
and marks the spot through which the pollen tube entered the ovule, in order to fertilize it; without 
a lens it can scarcely be seen. On the seed opposite the hilum there is a small projection, the chalaza ; 
it marks the termination of the bundle of vascular tissue, which brought nutriment to the seed during © 
its formation. 
The seed skin is completely filled by the large embryo. There is, in this case, no albumen, 
and therefore the seed is termed exalbuminous. In a grass, the seed is albwminous, because it contains 
albumen in addition to the embryo. The two cotyledons form a very large part oft he embryo; they are 
thick hemispherical structures, closely opposed to one another by their flat surfaces, and will be the first 
formed seed-leaves of the young plant. The part of the embryo lying between and hidden by the cotyl- 
edons, is the plumule; it is merely a small bud, furnished with a few young leaves. The portion of 
the axis beneath the insertion of the cotyledons is the radicle; it is short and conical, It lies outside, 
not between, the cotyledons, and is thus often visible through the seed skin. 
When the seed germinates the radicle begins to grow, penetrates into the ground, and forms a 
tap-root. The plumule ascends above ground into the air, where it developes and unfolds its leaves. 
The behaviour of the cotyledons varies: — they either remain beneath the ground (hypogeal), as in 
vetches; or they rise above ground (epigeal), develop green colouring matter, and serve as the first 
foliage leaves of the plant. The latter is the case with all leguminous fodder plants, except Vetches. 
Varieties. In the descriptions, the varieties referred to are mainly those of agricultural importance. 
Geographical distribution. As will be seen from the descriptions in the text, the best fodder 
plants are indigenous to temperate Europe, very few to America. 
Habitat. The habitats give some notion of those kinds of soil which are naturally adapted for 
the cultivation of the respective plants. 
Limits of altitude. Most fodder plants can be grown at considerable elevations, some thriv- 
ing even in Alpine regions. Knowledge of these alliludes is very useful, especially in mountainous 
districts. 
Climate. Except Sainfoin and Lucerne, fodder plants, as a rule, thrive best in humid climates, 
and in moist seasons, provided that the temperature is suitable. Maritime and mountainous districts are 
thus best adapted for the growth of fodder. | 
Soils. In the descriptions, the following types of soil are referred to: — 
. Strong clays. 5. Loams. 
Clays. 6. Sandy Loams. — 
. Mild clays. 7. Loamy sands. 
. Clay loams. 8. Loose sands. 
em 0 bo = 
*) In some cases it is certain that the pollen can fertilize the stigma of its own flower, in many other cases thi 
is doubtful. 
