FORAGE 



293 



an alfalfa field may be scattered broadcast over the fields 

 to be seeded. Third, the alfalfa seed may be soaked in 

 water containing soil from an alfalfa field. The germs 

 will stick to the seeds. Fourth, the latest way is to put a 

 small mass of alfalfa germs into a liquid containing proper 

 food to make these germs multiply and grow. Then the 

 seeds to be planted are soaked in this liquid in order that 

 the germs may fasten on the seeds. 



Before the seeds are sowed the soil should be made fine 

 and mellow. Over this well-prepared land, from twenty to 



FIG. 253. HERD OF DAIRY CATTLE GRAZING ON ALFALFA STUBBLE 

 Copyright, 1903, Doubleday, Page & Co. 



thirty pounds of seed to the acre should be scattered. The 

 seed may be scattered by hand or by a seed sower. Cover 

 with a light harrow. The time of planting varies some- 

 what with the climate. In the South, the seed may be 

 sowed either in the spring or in the fall ; in the North, 

 spring sowing is best. 



During the first season, several mowings are necessary 

 to insure a good stand and also to keep down the weeds. 



