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EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



4 GEORGE V., A. 19H 



Average samples of each variety were sent to Mr. F. T. Shutt, Dominion 

 Chemist, Central Experimental Farm, for analysis. The results of the analysis are 

 civen below: — - 



To what was said in the 1911 report respecting alfalfa growing, a few pointers 

 may be added as to the most suitable land, cultivation, seeding, cutting, curing, etc. 

 It was found from previous tests that a great deal depends on the first season's 

 growth, whether alfalfa prove hardy or not. If it enters the winter with small roots, 

 and the top has been eaten bare, it is sure to succumb. On the other hand, if the 

 roots have taken a good hold, and a good growth has been left to protect the crown, 

 the crop is reasonably safe. If, added to this, the precaution is taken not to pasture 

 too closely or too late in the fall, there is no reason to doubt of its entire success. 

 The course pursued on this Farm which has given the best results is to plough 

 stubble land late in May, four or five inches deep; then harrow once. After harrow- 

 ing, ten to twelve pounds of seed per acre is sown with a wheelbarrow grass seeder. 

 When sown, the land is harrowed, rolled and again harrowed. The rolling firms the 

 soil, and leaves the surface in good condition for the mower, and the last harrowing 

 prevents evaporation. 



The seed is sown without a nurse crop, and when the plants are sufficiently high 

 I he mower is run close to the ground, to kill weeds and cause the roots to take a 

 better hold. This is repeated up to the end of July, and after that all growth is left 

 for winter protection. 



It has been found, when a nurse crop has been grown, that the plants are weakly, 

 oven if not badly killed out with the grain using up all the moisture in August. If 

 they survive after the grain is harvested, as a rule the weather is too dry for them 

 to make satisfactory root or top growth, and they are not in a condition to stand the 

 thaws and frosts of April and early May. 



Cultivation, Seeding and Harvesting of Alfalfa. 

 Alfalfa can be sown on fallowed land, or on stubble land. 



Fallow. — If fallow lands drift with the winds, plough four inches deep before 

 seeding, to overcome the danger. 



Slublle. — If stubble is heavy, burn in the spring, plough five inches deep, and 

 harrow. If land was ploughed the preceding fall, cultivate before sowing. 



Seeding— Sow 12 pounds of seed per acre, from May 25 to 31. After seeding, 

 cross harrow twice, then roll or * pack soil; do not roll fallowed land, use packer 

 instead. 



