No. 4.] ■ ALFALFA IN NEW ENGLAND. 151 



acres of alfalfa planted in 1916; these prizes to be awarded in 

 1918, as follows: first prize, $250; second prize, $150; third 

 prize, $100; fourth prize, $75; fifth prize, $25. The trustees 

 will be governed in awarding these prizes by general appear- 

 ance of the crop during 1917 and 1918. A public weigher's cer- 

 tificate will be required, and all entries must be made on or 

 before October 1, 1916, to General Francis Henry Appleton, 

 secretary, 251 Marlboro Street, Boston. 



We would like the co-operation of this alfalfa club in this 

 matter, and any suggestions that any one has to make will be 

 gladly received, because we want to make it as successful as 

 possible. 



On motion of Dr. H. J. Wheeler it was voted to extend a 

 vote of thanks to the Massachusetts Society for promoting 

 Agriculture. 



Mr. W. P. NiCKERSON. In relation to the offer of Mr. Bow- 

 ditch, I am going to start a new field of alfalfa this year, and 

 want to get the $250. There will be a great many who will 

 start fields if they know that the offer is made and if they have 

 some one to show them how to start. They can best be shown 

 and best helped by our county farm agents, and I think that 

 if the farm agents are included in the offer and given full direc- 

 tions, they will increase the acreage of the alfalfa to be grown 

 in the State of Massachusetts very largely. There is just one 

 question I would like to ask, — is this one measured acre that 

 the prize is to be given on? 



Mr. C. W. Prescott. Yes, one measured acre is the area. 



Mr. NiCKERSON. I would suggest that the alfalfa associa- 

 tion ask Mr. Bowditch to notify the farm agents. They are 

 in touch with all the farmers in their counties and can get it 

 started better than any one else. 



Chairman. I think notice will be sent around to the people. 

 ■ Dr. William P. Brooks. There are a few thoughts sug- 

 gested to me by the speaker's remarks, which I hope may 

 prove of some value. He has spoken of the variety, and I 

 agree with him that too much care cannot be taken to obtain 

 the best possible seed. I want simply to emphasize this point. 



