Alfalfa in Kansas. 



65 



not become too far advanced. Often, with the first crop particularly, 

 and in wet seasons, the shoots of the next crop may start before any 

 blossoms show, and may become so high that it is necessary to cut at 

 once. To cut off these young shoots will not only injure the next crop, 

 but may also seriously endanger the life of the plants. Hence many 

 growers, particularly in the eastern third of the state, pay little or no 

 attention to the bloom and watch only the shoots of the next crop ; others 

 watch both indications, and some watch the new shoots for the first cut- 



Fia. 55. The shoots quickly spring from the crown, and the grower must be on 

 the alert to cut the present crop before the shoots of the next crop get too high. 

 [Courtesy Wisconsin Experiment Station.] 



ting and the bloom for succeeding cuttings. Under certain circum- 

 stances, as when the bloom indicates that it is time to cut, it may be un- 

 wise to wait for the new shoots. The following represent the different 

 views expressed : 



Jackson county: "There are three ways to determine: the bloom, the 

 young shoots, and when the under leaves get yellow. Watch all three 

 indications." 



Osborne county: "For cattle when about one-tenth in bloom, and for 

 horses when one-half in bloom." 



3 



