252 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



ALFALFA. 



The "bottom " lands, or those adjacent to the great river-courses of Central 

 California, are especially adapted to the growth of this great forage plant 

 without need of irrigation. It can be grown, however, in any part of 

 California where water is available for irrigation purposes. The following 

 discussion upon alfalfa by the members of the Los Angeles County Pomo- 

 logical Society, and which refers more particularly to the growth of the 

 plant in districts where irrigation is necessary, will prove interesting. The 

 discussion was led by Mr. W. Z. Cook. Mr. Cook said: 



In these times of so great an influx of people to Southern California to 

 make their homes with us, and as this country is destined to support a 

 dense population, it behooves us to look well to our future supply of hay 

 and pasture. 



To our eastern brothers a few facts relative to the above staple produc- 

 tion may be of some interest. If I may be excused, I will give my own 

 experience and what has come under my own observation. 



Alfalfa, as a fodder plant, is coming more and more into general use and 

 favor, both for horses and cows, and, in fact, all kinds of stock, hogs not 

 excepted. 



I am inclined to think that there is no fodder plant that will continue 

 in full bearing equal to the above, if properly handled. 



Seven years ago this coming March I sowed about three fourths of an 

 acre, and for years this block has furnished feed for a span of horses and 

 cow entirely, excepting a few pumpkins, and have sold considerable hay. 

 For the past three years my horse has had no grain whatever. As for my 

 cows, I find that they do far better, both in regard to milk and butter, on 

 alfalfa alone, than cows do in the States with a good supply of milk feed. 

 This plant keeps green the year round, for we seldom have frosts in this 

 country to kill the young growth. 



My experience leads me to advise those who desire planting alfalfa to 

 plow very deep (subsoiling is far better) and pulverize thoroughly; sow 

 thirty pounds of seed — not less — to the acre and brush it in lightly. By 

 this plan you gain three points: First, you get a good stand, which can be 

 obtained only at first seeding; second, the stools will be much finer; and 

 third, you will get a greater amount of hay. Unless you can irrigate, I 

 would advise sowing in the Fall after the first rain. I have sowed in No- 

 vember in the northern part of the State with good success. 



In this part of the State we usually cut four times the first year after 

 seeding; after that, from six to eight times during the year. It is usually 

 cut when fairly in the blossom; if it begins to lodge it may be cut sooner. 

 The earliest I ever commenced haying was the twentieth of March, and 

 finished the fifth of January, cutting eight crops that year. As for the 

 yield, that depends very materially on the care given. The average is 

 from one and a half to two tons per acre at a cutting. Five crops of hay 

 and one of seed are often grown in one season. 



When gophers are troublesome, I advise, after a newly seeded tract is 

 settled, to throw out a ditch twelve to fourteen inches wide and sixteen 

 or eighteen inches deep; then sink a leaky oil can down in the bottom of 



