FIELD CROPS. 133 



Alfa and alfa paper, II. de Montessus de Ballore (Alfa et Papier D'Alfa, 

 Paris, 1V09, pp. 69, pis. 8, figs. 20, map 1). — The habitat and value of alfa are 

 described and the process of manufacturing paper from the plant is discussed 

 in detail. Two species, Lygcutn spartum and SUpa tenacissima, are consid- 

 ered, the one of greatest economic importance being the latter, which is the 

 true alfa. The volume is printed on paper made from alfa. 



[Astragalus falcatus], J. Fabre and D. Vidal (Prog. Agr. ct Vit. [Ed. 

 VEsf-Ccnlrc), 30 (1909), No. 13, pp. ^87-3.93).— Experiments showed that on 

 soils well adapted to alfalfa A. falcatus is incapable of replacing it, but that 

 it is of special value for- poor and dry soils where alfalfa can not be grown 

 with profit. It was also observed that on soil rich in lime Astragalus made a 

 poor growth. 



Alfalfa seed in Oklahoma, L. A. Moorhouse and W. L. Burlison (Oklahoma 

 8ta. Bill. S3, pp. 3-23, figs. 25). — Methods of testing alfalfa seed are described 

 and the results of 42 samples analyzed are given in tables and briefly noted. 

 The samples are grouped as follows: High in purity with medium germination; 

 low in puritj' with satisfactory germination; low in purity with good vitality; 

 and low in purity with low germination. 



Of 400 samples examined by tiie station not more than 20 were high in 

 purity and at the same time vigorous in germination. A list of weed seeds 

 found in alfalfa seed is given and the more important species are described. 

 Setaria glauca, S. viridis, Plantago lanceolata, Panicum sanguinale, Chenopo- 

 diiim album, Amaranthus hi/bridus, Panicum capillare, and Ccittaureu piciris, 

 given in decreasing order of importance, were most common in the samples of 

 alfalfa seed examined. 



Clovers and alfalfa, C. A. Mooer.s (Tennessee 8ta. Bui. SO, pp. 82, S3; Rpt. 

 Coop, and E.vt. ^yorlc Agr. Middle Tcnn. 1901-S, pp. o), 55). — A general dis- 

 cussion of tests with these crops is presented. 



Alsilie clover gave decidedly the best results when the soil was treated with 

 12 tons per acre of barnyard manure. Crimson colver as a winter cover crop 

 gave fair results when sown into corn at the last cultivation. As indicated by 

 observation and experiments, alfalfa can be grown successfully anywhere in 

 Tennessee provided the soil has been inoculated and the land is in a high state 

 of fertility and free from certain weeds. From 24 to 30 lbs. of alfalfa seed per 

 acre is recommended. 



Experiments in the growth of clover on farms where it once grew but 

 now fails, J. H. Squires (New York Cornell Sta. Bui. 26V/, pp. 3-i7-364, figs. 9). — 

 The possible reasons for failure of clover arre discussed and the results of 

 experiments in different parts of the State to ascertain what treatment would 

 make clover growing profitable are reported. In these experiments lime, 

 manure, and commercial fertilizers were used and the soil was inoculated as 

 means to restore the clover-growing ability of the land. 



The first test on well-drained valley loam showed that the use of 1,500 lbs. 

 of lime per acre exerted a marked influence. The average yield of hay from 

 mammoth clover on the unlimed plats was at the rate of 2,178 lbs. per acre as 

 compared with 4,343 lbs. on the limed plats. The manure applied at the rate 

 of 15 tons per acre also produced very beneficial effects, while little benefit was 

 derived from any of the commercial fertilizers. In general the best results 

 were secured from applying manure and lime together and growing alsike or 

 medium red clover. 



The second series of tests was made on a light brown or yellow silt loam 

 with a yellowish or grayish subsoil. The treatment was the same as in the 

 first test, but the plats were not inoculated and were seeded with oats. The 

 unlimed plats in this case yielded 1,134 lbs. of hay per acre and the limed 



