28 



CIRCULAR NO. 119, BUREAU OF PLANT INDUSTRY. 



for the years 1906 to 1909 were taken each time as the hay was re- 

 moved from the field in condition for the mow or stack. The weights 

 in 1910, 1911, and 1912 were taken at the end of the season of each 

 year, the hay of the different varieties having been stacked and 

 allowed to become uniformly dry. 



Table II. — Hay yields (founds per acre) of Arabian and other varieties of alfalfa grown 



in one-fourth acre plats at Chico, Cal. 



At Mecca, Cal., an increased number ol cuttings and a greater yield 

 of the Arabian variety over the ordinary alfalfa were secured by the 

 Brauckman Bros, in 1908. The data are given in Table III. It will 

 be noted that by excluding the growth made during cool weather, 

 when the ordinary alfalfa was practically dormant, the yield of the 

 two varieties is more nearly the same. 



Table III. — Comparative hay yields of Arabian and ordinary alfalfa in plats 16 feet 



square, at Mecca, Cal., in 1908. 



Variety and date of cutting. 



Arabian: 

 May 12. 

 June 7.. 

 June 20. 

 July 20. 

 Aug. 6 . 

 Sept. 1 . 

 Sept. 14 

 Oct. 14 . 



Total. 



Weights (pounds) 



Variety and date of cutting. 



Ordinary: 



June 1 . 

 June 30 

 July 29. 

 Sept. 1 

 Oct. 14 



Total 



QUALITY OF HAY. 



The hay made from Arabian alfalfa is paler than hay made from 

 ordinary alfalfa. It is also less woody and contains a larger percent- 

 age of leaves. The feeding quality of the hay is good, and for cattle 

 and sheep it apparently is equal or somewhat superior to ordinary 

 alfalfa. 



[Cir. 119] 



