168 STATES OF THE EIVER PLATE. 



remedies that would be required. D would probably 

 be a convenient locality on some establishments for the 

 corrals of the borregas. 



Divisional or interior fences, with five wires, render 

 ditches unnecessary, except when, from the nature of the 

 land, it would be advisable to carry off the water by 

 means of open drains. The size of the potreros would 

 depend on the number of rams intended to be kept in 

 them ; and again, on the quality of the land, and the faci- 

 lities provided for relieving or supplementing the natural 

 pasture. 



One of the most interesting considerations in connexion 

 with the union of agriculture and pasturage is the adap- 

 tation of forage plants and artificial grasses to fill the 

 blanks which the seasons leave in the supply of natural 

 or indigenous herbage. 



Alfalfa (lucerne), on lands of good quality and situa- 

 tion, is one of the most productive and permanent of the 

 ' leguminose ' varieties, and, in connexion with the species 

 beans, peas, vetches, porotos, clover, lupines, &c., is of a 

 high nutritive value. It is probably unsurpassed in dura- 

 bility and product on suitable land, for mowing, for 

 soiling, or hay, when liberally and carefully treated ; but 

 it is not so well suited, and dies out much sooner, if de- 

 pastured, especially by sheep, whose close biting injures 

 the crown of the plant, and causes it to rot. Moreover, 

 it cannot be kept clean as a pasture ; trefolium, grasses, 

 chickweed, and various strong weeds, quickly appear in 

 it, and hasten its decay and disappearance. 



It likewise requires time for the preparation of the 

 ground and growth before it becomes productive. Only 

 in the third year after breaking up the land, supposing 

 it to have proper tillage, cleaning, and general treatment, 

 can an alfalfa be considered productive. For these rea- 



