230 CAMPBELL'S SOIL CULTURE MANUAL 



tumn, as is true generally on the Pacific slope, then by all 

 means seed in August. 



If the early spring is unusually dry, then plan to seed 

 in the spring. Remember this fact that planting in' sum- 

 mer tilled soils properly handled the germination is quick- 

 est, and early growth is most rapid when it is clear sunny 

 weather and no rain. With the more common methods 

 of fitting without sub-packing, a good rain is necessary to 

 even start the crop. 



The difference between the more common methods of 

 fitting and thorough scientific fitting is as broad as the 

 contrast between a safe business proposition and that of 

 gambling on chance games. 



SEEDING ON NEW BREAKING. 



Alfalfa, like many other crops, may be sown on new 

 breaking the same season the breaking is done and some- 

 times gives satisfactory results, but considering its uncer- 

 tainty and the difference in the value of a good crop as 

 against a poor crop and possibly none at all, we are inclined 

 to give over the whole season to preparation, for then a 

 good crop is practically assured. 



The proper time to break depends somewhat on locality 

 and the time the heavy rains are expected. As a rule 

 east of the Rocky mountains late fall or early spring 

 breaking is followed with best results. For detailed in- 

 structions on fitting, note general matter under the head 

 of plowing. Briefly, the breaking for alfalfa should be 

 about three and one-half inches deep, using every possible 

 means and care to lay the furrow slice flat and roll down 

 solid either with the sub-packer or smooth roller, then 

 disk, but do not set the disk at a sufficient angle to cut 

 through the sod, let the disk lap half, then follow with the 



