Home Nature-Study Course. 371 



as clover does. In nutrient value per acre it ranks above clover as 

 24 ranks above 10. When once established it withstands droughts, 

 for its roots grow deep. 



Alfalfa is South European. It was early introduced into North 

 America. It is knowm to have been growTi in Northern New York 

 as early as 1791. But it first came into prominence in the semi-arid 

 West, because of its drought-resisting qualities, and now it has added 

 millions of dollars to the wealth of the nation. Gradually it is working 

 its way into the East. It is discussed in the agricultural press and 

 before farmers' institutes. Last year the College of Agriculture 



offered to send a small packet of seeds to such school children in 



New York State as wanted to grow a little garden plat of it. About 



5,000 children were supplied. The teacher must now learn what 



alfalfa is. 



In nearly every rural community, sufficient alfalfa can be found 



for school purposes. In many places it has run wild along roadsides. 



If you cannot find a plant of it, we will send you a fresh specimen for 



study, if you apply before cold weather comes. 



On these plants make the following observations: 



1. Under what conditions have you found alfalfa growing? How 

 did the plant come to grow there, — so"wti, or run wild? 



2. Describe the form of the root. How does the root branch? 



3. Do you find little tubercles or nodules on the roots? On what 

 part of the roots? How large? How numerous? 



4. The crown of the plant (at the surface of the ground), — 

 describe it, and how the tops and the roots start from it. 



5. The stems, — how many from each crown, whether erect or 

 prostrate, how they branch. 



6. The leaves, — simple or compound? Form? Edges entire or 

 fine-toothed? Do the leaves "sleep" at night, as those of clover do? 



7. Do you find any distinct spots on the leaves? What do you 

 think is the cause of them? 



8. Flowers, — how borne (whether singly or in clusters), color, 

 form, resemblance to any other flowers you may know. 



9. If possible, find the seed-pods and seeds, and describe. 



10. Make inquiries as to whether alfalfa is becoming well known 

 in your vicinity. 



Agricultural Account of Alfalfa. 

 You may be asked some practical questions about alfalfa; there- 

 fore we give you a brief agricultural account of it. If you desire 

 further information, write to the College of Agriculture, Ithaca, 

 N. Y., for Bulletin 221, "Alfalfa in New York." 



