174 On the cultivation of Lucerne. 



be, to sow with the Lucerne about half a bushel of win- 

 ter rye to the acre. The effect of this is, that the rye, 

 which vei>;etates quickly, serves as a protection to the 

 young grass, against the effects of the scorching sun, and 

 by the time the grass attains sufficient strength to protect 

 itself, the rye withers, and apparently dies. It will however 

 again conne forth in the spring, and mixed with the Lu- 

 cerne, will add much to the quantity of fodder, and prove 

 a most excellent feed for cattle. The rye will admit of 

 being cut green in this way, (before getting into seed) 

 two or three times with the Lucerne, before it decays. 

 The quantity of seed I recommend, is at the rate of from 

 15 to 20 lbs. to the acre. 



The kind of soil most suitable for this culture is a dry 

 mellow loam, but a sandy or clay loam will also answer, 

 provided they are not wet. In a favourable season, the 

 Lucerne may be cut the ensuing fall, after the first sea- 

 son. You may generally begin to cut it green for cattle 

 by the first of May, which saves the young pasture, and 

 is in every respect a great convenience, as hogs and every 

 description of animals devour it with equal avidity. It 

 produces a great quantity of seed, and is much more ea- 

 sily obtained than clover. The second and third crops are 

 the most productive of seed. 



John Patrick. 



Philad. Soc.for 

 promoting Agriculture. 



