ALFALFA. 115 
flower will thus be hit and his body powdered with pollen. When 
visiting another flower the same thing happens; the pistil comes in 
contact with the pollen on the body of the insect. The pistil is thus 
fertilized and more pollen is deposited on the insect. It is evident 
that cross-fertilization must frequently occur. As an insect will 
probably visit many flowers of a plant and travel from one plant to 
another, an individual may be fertilized by its own pollen as well as 
by pollen from another. Whether self- or cross-fertilization is most 
beneficial has, however, not yet been proved. Should a flower not 
be visited by any insect strong enough to open it, it will not be 
fertilized, not being able to explode by itself. The production of 
seed thus depends largely upon insects. The weather is also a factor, 
the flowers being almost insensible in cold, rainy weather, whereas 
in sunshine they will promptly respond to the slightest irritation. 
In common Red Clover the stamens and pistil gradually resume their 
original positions; as their elasticity is not affected by one or two 
visits, there is always a chance for proper fertilization. In Alfalfa 
there is no second chancey if an insect’s first visit has no effect, the 
flower will not produce seed. After the pollen has been discharged, 
the pistil does not turn back to its original position; its top remains 
firmly appressed to the standard of the flower. It therefore develops 
into a curved fruit, although it is perfectly straight so long as it is 
enclosed within the flower. Its bending, which starts with the 
explosion of the flower, increases with its growth, and when the fruit 
is ripe it has the shape of a twisted shell. 
Geographical distribution and history: The home of Alfalfa 
is Asia, probably the southwestern parts. It has been grown in 
Persia from time immemorial and is perhaps the oldest forage plant 
in the world. It was highly esteemed as fodder for horses, its Persian 
name meaning horse fodder. From Persia it was brought to Greece 
about 500 B.C., whence it spread to Italy. It was introduced to 
western Europe by way of northern Africa. The Arabs carried the 
plant to Spain in the seventh century. From Spain it was intro- 
duced into France. It is now grown in all European countries 
except the most northern. It was introduced by the Spaniards into 
Mexico, whence it spread to the western United States and to South 
America, and by the English and other colonists to the eastern parts 
of North America. It is now cultivated all over the United States. 
In Canada it is confined to small areas, southern Ontario and southern 
Alberta being the two districts where it is grown extensively. 
Origin of name: Alfalfa is a Spanish version of the Arabian 
“Alfacfacah” which means ‘‘The best sort of fodder.’’ Some have 
53334—8} 
