314 THE BOOK OF ALFALFA 



intended for this crop. From a general review of the 

 situation it appears that tliere is no reason why alfalfa, 

 under good management, should not succeed in many 

 parts of Virginia. 



WASHIXGTON 



F. M, Lowdcn, Walla Walla county. — In 22 years I 

 have had experience with from i to 400 acres of alfalfa, 

 on bottom, second bottom, and upland, with clay, sand 

 and loam soils, with subsoil of hardpan and strong alkali 

 from 18 to 20 inches below the surface, and water at 

 depth of 18 to 20 feet. The soil is seldom moist all the 

 way down, the dry soil beginning five to eight feet below 

 the surface and ending within two or three feet of the 

 water. After plowing deep and harrowing well, I sow 

 in the spring, late enough to miss frost, 25 to 30 pounds 

 to the acre; then cover, in light soil from one to two 

 inches, and in clay soil less. During the first season it 

 should be mowed so that the weeds cannot choke it out, 

 and then there will be about a ton of hay to the acre to 

 be cut in August. I irrigate with water from streams 

 thoroughly in the spring and after each cutting, using 

 enough water to soak the ground for a few days. New 

 land requires more water than old, but the quantity 

 needed is about the same every year. At three years the 

 plant attains its best yields, and with proper care will not 

 need reseeding. There are usually three cuttings each 

 season, with an average of i^ tons to the acre, and I 

 have known five cuttings. It is mowed for hay when it 

 commences to bloom, and for seed any time before the 

 frost comes, the second crop being best for the latter use. 



