154 ALFALE.. 

Fig. 4.— Alfalfa Seed Pods 
Harvesting.—Alfalfa for hay should be cut when one- 
third of the blossoms have appeared, because at this stage 
it makes the best quality of forage. It should be raked up 
into windrows when somewhat wilted, and never allowed to 
dry out before being raked, because then it does not cure so 
well and most of the leaves will be broken off in handling. 
It should be handled so as to preserve all the leaves since 
they are the most valuable part of the plant. Ina dry sea- 
son, it can sometimes be placed in the barn or stack the day 
after cutting, but it will usually be a better plan to a allow 
the hay to stand in cocks a few days. 
