OBSERVATIONS FROM FARMERS. 169 
9) 
the greater part of the stand. We sowed Grimm’s* alfalfa. 
Tests by Warren Pendergast gave similar results. So far 
we have not shown alfalfa to be hardy in this vicinity.”’ 
Yours truly, 
H. H. CHAPMAN. 
Supt. of N. E. Exp. Station. 
Madelia, Watonwan Co. 
‘“‘T have been raising alfalfa in asmall way for about 
three years. I commenced with two acres and now have 
seventy seeded. It should be sown on well manured, well 
drained land. Prepare a good fine seed bed and sow as you 
would wheat or oats as soon in the spring as danger from 
heavy frosts is over. I sowed last spring with a common 
seeder. I mixed 44 bushel ot wheat with 15 pounds alfalfa 
and set the seeder to sow 12 bushel per acre. It was sown 
immediately after the spring rains commenced, and I havea 
very fine stand. I have just completed cutting the crop for 
hay. It should be mown at this time (August Ist) or earlier 
to give the alfalfa a better chance. 
“T have secured two hay crops from my older fields 
amounting to about three tons per acre. I shall cut them 
once or twice more this season. Use any good corn land, 
sow from 15 to 20 lbs. of seed and do not allow live stock to 
pasture it the first season. 
‘“‘T consider the hay to be about equal to red clover. | As 
asoiling crop it will be superior to anything we have. I 
have given my experience to Mr.O.C. Gregg of the Farmers’ 
Institute who will publish itin his Annual, No. 15.” I re- 
main 
Yours truly, 
JOHN BISBEE. 
Belview, Redwood Co. 
“In the year 1899, 1 seeded about 144 acres of alfalfa 
with wheat to be used for hog pasture in the future. I used 
about 10 lbs. of alfalfa seed per acre and 1% bu. of wheat per 
acre. The wheat stooled remarkably well but when the al- 
falfa was about 6 inches high, I cut it with amower. This 
*This is the variety grown in the vicinity of Lake Minnetonka, and at the Exp. 
Station, is known as Minnesota No. 4. 
