DIVISION OF FORAGE PLANTS 



647 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 



Nurse Crop. — On fallowed land, grain can be sown; oats or barley i3 better 

 than wheat, as they can be delayed in seeding. Alfalfa seed should not be sown too 

 early. On stubble land, no nurse crop should be sown, as usually the moisture is not 

 Huncient for both and the tender alfalfa plants die. When alfalfa is up about five 

 inches, mow close to the ground, and repeat the first week in August. Leave the 

 last growth for winter protection. Tbe mowing kills the weeds and strengthens the 

 roots, which is important tbe first winter. 



Harvesting. — Alfalfa is usually ready for the first cutting early in July, and for 

 the second cutting the same time in August of the second year. Cut when in early 

 blossom. Cut early in the forenoon, and if the day is fine, rake into windrows in 

 the afternoon, and put in small cocks the next day. 



Allow the hay to cure in the cocks; turning and exposing to the air will hasten 

 drying. Have the hay well dried before stacking, for fear of spoiling. 



Alfalfa, sown in 1904. 



Alfalfa, sown in 1905. 



Alfalfa, sown in 1908. 



