24 Bu!/ez'z'¢z N0. 98.
used extensively for the adulteration of red clover seed, which _
may account for the frequent appearance of plants in cultivated
ground. Insects do not attack it as much as they do red
clover, which is to be regarded as an indication that it is not
as palatable for stock, since insects in the plots generally eat
most freely of the most valuable forage. This clover is highly
valued in some parts of England for sheep pasture, and is
there known according to Sowerby as shamrock and black
nonesuch. An analysis published by Professors Jenkins and
Winton is as follows:
Water, 78.52; ash, 1.37; protein, 3.40; fiber, 6.31; nitrogen
free extract, 9.29; fat, 1.11.
Médzkaga SLZHUIZ (ALFALFA, LUCERNE).—While this well-
known forage plant has not on the Experiment Farm given us
reason to feel enthusiastic about it as forage for Blue·grass
Kentucky, it has yet given evidence of possessing some very
exceptional qualities that may render it even here useful on
occasion. In some sections of the State farther west it has _
been found of great value as forage for beef cattle. Mr. ]. ].
Botto, of Boston, Nelson County, has had special proof of its
value for this purpose, and is disposed to rate it very high.
His soil, he tells me, is second bottom land. But it is well to
keep in mind the fact that alfalfa requires good dcc;> sai/, not
too wet, and that yields which some have secured from such
land can not be obtained from heavy, shallow, imperfectly
drained, clayey soils. AI have concluded from my experience
with it that our subsoil is too hard, and contains too little
available food to suit its very long and deeply penetrating
roots. It appears not to develop root-nodules in any numbers,
But it lasts well, better than red clover, and after the first
year stands drought pretty well, although we can always see in `
it the effect of protracted dry weather. Farmers who may try
it are likely to be disappointed with it the first season. The
plants are at first rather slight, and late in the season may
lose much of their leafage. The second season, when their
roots have pushed deeper into tl1e soil and are stronger, they '
present a much better appearance and will yield several cut- .
tings of hay. The mistake made in our plots at first was in