642 Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. [^m^. 3, 1908. 



The young plant is a weak feeder, and requires considerable attention 

 in the early stages of germination and growth, and in this connection a well 

 cultivated and thoroughly fine seed bed must be prepared to a depth of 

 4 or 5 inches by ploughing, harrowing, and rolling. 



It is occasionally advised to sow a nurse crop with the seed, such as oats, 

 barley, or wh(>ut. In a warm climate this is not'always found good practice, 

 seeing all available moisture is wanted to effect complete germination in the 

 lucerne seed. In ordering seed strict care should be observed in obtaining 

 it bright, plump, clean, and free from weed seeds and dodder. 



Tamworth seed has the best reputation. 



Use 15 lb. to 20 lb. to the acre. Broadcasting is the most favoured method 

 of sowing, while the wheel-barrow seeder is the handiest implement. 



The seed should not be covered more than 2 inches with the harrows, and 

 in a wet season 1 inch is enough on compact soil. If planted too deep the 

 young shoots become choked and fail to reach the surface. 



Where the soil is light or dry it will be necessary to roll, and cover the 

 seed and compact the soil. 



The best time to sow is late in February or March, when the soil is warm 

 and just after the early autumn rains. 



Cutting. 



The first growth will be found associated with weeds, and these ought to 

 be checked by early mowing. Frequent cutting is not recommended in the 

 early stages, and the cutter-bar should be raised slightly in order not to 

 cut too closely. Root growth is stimulated by leaf growth : the lattei- affords 

 the stimulating constituents. When the plant is well established, frequent 

 close cutting creates a more vigorous growth. It is also benefited by 

 occasional cultivation with the disc harrow or lucerne cultivator. This 

 loosens the soil surface, conserves moisture, aerates the soil, and checks the 

 growth of weeds. The first cut invariably is so nrixed with succulent herbage 

 and weeds that it is impossible to convert it into hay. It may be consumed 

 at once as green fodder, or converted into silage. 



The proper time to cut each main croj) is when one-tenth of the plants 

 are in bloom. One week after the bloom appears, the indigestible portion 

 of the plant increases, and its more nourishing constituents— protein and 

 fat — decrease until the seed ripens. The yield is slightly greater at the time 

 of blossom, but the quality of the hay is superior a few days earlier. 



After full blossoming the lower leaves begin to fall. 



Leaves are the most valuable portion of the plant, and it is the chief aim 

 to cut, wilt, and dry the hay in such manner as to collect the plant whole, 

 without losing any leaves. 



It requires very careful handling and good judgment to convert it into 

 well-cured and rich-coloured hay, perhaps more so than any other fodder. 



The digestible nutrients in lucerne hay are easily dissolved and washed 

 out by rains. It is best kept in big stacks under a sound roof. 



