102 



EXPERIMENT STATION. 



[Jan. 



pounds of seed to the acre. The present season three 20-acre 

 plots were each fertilized alike as heretofore and on June 11 

 the seed was sown broadcast at the rate of 50, 40 and 30 pounds 

 to the acre. In spite of the late seeding and dry August, the 

 crop grew fairly well, and when cut, September 12, was just 

 beginning to head out. The yields, on the basis of one acre, 

 were as follows : — 



Seed per Acre. 



The yields were not as heavy as were obtained the year pre- 

 vious (20,000 pounds to the acre), owing to the cool, dry 

 August, which did not permit as advanced a development of 

 the crop. From two years' observations it may be concluded 

 that 50 to 00 pounds of seed to the acre are sufficient when 

 sown broadcast for forage purposes. More than this is not 

 necessary ; smaller amounts permit a too coarse development 

 of the individual plants, and also gives opportunity for the 

 growth of weeds, especially during the early life of the sorghum 

 plants. 



Alfalfa in Massachusetts. 



Observations have been continued relative to the suitability 

 of alfalfa as a forage crop in this State. Last year three 

 cuttings were secured from a one-sixth acre plot, equivalent 

 to 3.65 tons of dry hay to the acre (basis of 15 per cent. 

 moisture) . The two small plots referred to in the previous 

 report have been combined in one plot one-third of an acre in 

 area. A growth of some 6 to 8 inches was allowed to remain 

 during the autumn of 1906, to serve as a mulch. The plants 

 came through the winter of 1900-07 in excellent condition, and 

 started well in the spring, although the season was some ten 

 days to two weeks late. 



The first cutting contained considerable grass in spots, but 



