The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-11-25
japan Clover.

Jdpdu OlOVcI.
Japan Clover Tor Lespedeza) is attracting
much attention in the South. Just at the
same time are brought to light the immense
beds of Phosphate of Lime on the Ashley
River above Charleston. S. G. They are so
rich as to contain from so to IS per cent of
pure phosphate of lime. This is the same as
bone dust, and is of far greater value than
Peruvian Guano. We propose to publish
shortly interesting facts concerning it. IF it
can be procured at S25, or $50, ton-and
there is no reason to doubt that it may, after
while-and this Japan Clover turns out &C
cording to expectations now entertained-the
rapid improvement of the South in agricul-
tural wealth is certain. The question is what
can we rely on respecting this clouer, as it is
called, enormously however?
Experience should warn us against trusting
hastily to new Things. But all the testimony
concerning this plant is uniformly to this
amount: That it has great hardness, roofing
itself in the poorest soils, uprooting even
sedge grass; that it propagates and spreads
itself with great rapidity; that it makes thick
coating over the earth; that stock eat it with
great avidity, and, best of all, get very fat
upon it.
We conversed few days ago on this subject
with gentleman from South Carolina, per-
sonally known to us and in whose intelligence
and statements entire confidence can be placed.
He confirms the statements made above in
every particular. IF this be so, it may be re-
garded as rich gift of Providence in time
of need. One of the greatest wants of the
Atlantic sope-or at least large parts of it
is grass If this can be supplied an immense
portion can soon be turned into grazing farms
requiring little labor and therefore Just
suited to our condition. At the same time
it will, with the help of choice and cheap
fertilizer, bring our exhausted lands under a
rapid and indefinite improvement. The article
below will be read with much interest. ED.
CEN PRES.
Lespedeza,
Mr.. Editor: 1t may be interesting to some
of your readers to know that the humble,
clove-.lik plant, Lespedeza, is now August
in bloom. 1t has numerous delicate pink
flowers, scattered along the STEM which may
be easily espied by any careful observer-per.
feet embems of retired naodesty. Upwards of
two years ago, the writer called public atten-
ton to the Importance of this useful plant,
now rapidly spreading itself over all sections
of the South. Only slight abstract of that
communication will be now given, in response
to recent inquiries on the subject. The genus
Lespedeza, consisting of at least six Southern
species, was so named by Michaux, French
botanist, about the beginning of the present
century, in honor of Lespedez, then Spanish
Governor of Florida
In the present impoverished condition of
the Southern States, this plant is wise and
timely Providential boon, aud is invaluable, not
only in clothing the soil with a beautiful car
pet of green, shielding it from the searching
rays of the sun, and thus increasing its fertility
by retaining its ammonia, but also in furnish
ing great amount of tender nutriment for
all kinds of stock, which consume it With
avidity. 1t is not species of clover, as some
have supposed, but belongs to the same natu-
raj order, Leguminosoe, or pod-bearing plants.
Peas, beans, clover. lucerne, &c., are embraced
in this order, class of plants generally yield
ing much succulent heritage. In enclosures,
height to be mown and cured for hay; but its
greatest value consists in its fertilizing inhu
ence and wide spread distribution for common
pasturage. 1t grows on all kinds of soils, and
is thus rapidly covering our road-sides and
old fields with an abundant supply of whole
some, nutritive matter. In many places it
has already supplanted the unsightly brown.
straw, and quietly occupies and beauties its
new possessions. The seeds are smooth and
black, being contained in numerous small,
compressed pods. In sections of country,
where it has not yet made its appearance, it
would be advisable to collect few seeds and
SOW them on any uncu cult lawns In this h
greatly extended 1t is said not to have yet
reached Virginia, but it is the persistent friend
of progress and renovation, and is gradually