CHAPTER XI 
ALFALFA 
HE value of alfalfa on the farm cannot be esti- 
mated. No plant has so many uses. If the 
corn plant should become extinct, alfalfa could 
take its place, fill every want that corn supplies, and 
yet its storehouse of utility would still be overstocked. 
Considering the great usefulness of this plant, it is 
astonishing that the American farmer grows so little of 
it. It cannot be on account of ignorance, for volumes 
have been written about it by the great alfalfa experts, 
Coburn, Clothier and Wing, the public press and agri- 
cultural papers, and for years lectures upon its value 
have been given to Farmers’ Institutes all over the coun- 
try. 
The slowness of the farmer in growing alfalfa is no 
doubt due to environment, or his habit of farming “ just 
as father did.” In many instances it is due to downright 
laziness, or that spirit of lethargy or state of indifference 
that has gotten its hold on so many farmers, and which 
is responsible for our worn-out soils. 
The average farmer does not seem to be in the pos- 
session of the spirit possessed by the modern manufac- 
turer who does not hesitate to adopt any improvement 
or buy any improved machinery that will increase the 
efficiency of his plant. 
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