LUCERNE. ALFALFA. 355 



Fifteen to twenty pounds, and even more, are usually sown to 

 the acre. 



Honey bees seem to extract the honey without any trouble. 



Dr. H. P. Armsby states that " Lucerne is even richer in pro- 

 tein than red clover, but it is inclined to a more rapid formation 

 of woody fiber after the flowers appear. It demands early cut- 

 ting even more than olover. On account of its excess of protein 

 it should be fed in connection with some feeding-stuff poor in 

 protein, such as roots or straw, to realize the best effect." 



Mr. Gorrie, of England, reports, that when properly managed 

 the quantity of cattle which can be kept in good condition on 

 an acre of Lucerne, during the whole season, exceeds belief. It 

 is no sooner mown than it pushes out fresh shoots. 



Prof. J. R. Page, of Virginia, considers it one of the most cer- 

 tain as well as one of the best crops the farmer can cultivate for 

 soiling purposes. He finds no difficulty in getting a good stand 

 and a profitable return, and recommends it very highly. It is 

 cured in the same way as clover. 



At the Agricultural College in Central Michigan, Lucerne, when 

 hoed and properly started for the first year has not killed out 

 during severe winters, while it beats everything to endure pro- 

 longed drought. It is not suitable to mix with clover, as the 

 latter overtops and crowds the Lucerne. I can report no system- 

 atic attempt in Michigan to establish, mow and feed crops of 

 lucerne. 



In 1883 Prof. E. M. Shelton, of Kansas, said: "We have no 

 hesitation in saying that, all things considered, it is a most valu- 

 able clover, especially for the western and southwestern sections 

 of the state. Along the Arkansas river, where irrigation is prac- 

 ticed, it has proved a most invaluable forage plant. More ac- 

 counts come to us of failure with Alfalfa than with any other 

 clover or grass, and this is because of the difficulty in starting 

 the plants and in selecting and preparing the soil properly. It 



