266 THE BOOK OF ALFALFA 



that is least suited for growing corn in Louisiana, be- 

 cause of its stiffness, is the very best land for alfalfa. 

 Where the crop has once been used and the local supply 

 runs short, it is shipped in from Colorado to supply the 

 demand. It is selling now for $15 a ton. No better 

 testimonial need be given of the people's estimate of its 

 value. 



MASSACHUSETTS. 



Prof. William P. Brooks, Director Hatch experiment 

 station. — Our experiments with alfalfa have been con- 

 tinued both upon our own grounds and those of a few 

 selected farms in different parts of the state. We are 

 bringing to bear upon these experiments information in 

 regard to successful methods from every possible source. 

 We find in all cases a distinct benefit from a heavy initial 

 application of lime. We have used from 2,000 to 3,000 

 pounds per acre. We are enriching soils already natur- 

 ally good by heavy applications both of manures and fer- 

 tilizers, using materials which experience has proved best. 

 We are also giving the soil a most thorough preparatory 

 tillage. It has usually been fall-plowed, and in addition 

 it is plowed in the spring, and repeatedly harrowed to 

 destroy weeds which start in the early part of the season. 

 We have tried inoculating the soil, both with earth ob- 

 tained from a field in New York, where alfalfa is suc- 

 cessfully grown and with the cultures sent out by the 

 department of agriculture and prepared by private firms. 

 We have not attained such degree of success as justifies 

 us in recommending the crop. We have occasionally got 

 a fair stand of alfalfa, but in all cases the winters prove 



