Soiling Crops. 157 



Rocky Mountains, where it is now cultivated almost 

 to the exclusion of other forage plants. 



" Alfalfa is a deep feeder. The tap roots descend 

 to great depths wherever the soil is loose and per- 

 meable, often averaging ten to twelve feet. It has 

 been recorded as sending its roots to the depth of 

 fifty and sixty-six feet. 



" When the stems are cut or grazed off, the stalk 

 dies down to the very base, and new buds spring 

 up on the upper part of the crown of the new root 

 and grow, forming new stems. This method of 

 growing explains why so many farmers have re- 

 ported that alfalfa is injured or destroyed by con- 

 tinuous close grazing. Prime condition for success 

 is that the land be well drained. Twenty to twenty- 

 five pounds of seed per acre broadcast. Fifteen to 

 twenty pounds in drills." 



Nebraska Reports, i, 1892. Article IX. 

 "In the fall of 1892, during the prolonged and 

 severe drought, it was the only green plant of the 

 whole list, notwithstanding the fact that the spring 

 was very dry. It grew nicely, and during the year 

 made growth as follows: 



1892 First cutting, twenty-six inches, June 29. 



Second cutting, twenty-six inches, August 2. 

 Third cutting, twenty-six inches, September I. 



Hay, Pounds. Per Acre. 



1893 June clover 473 2,365 



Mammoth clover 475 2,375 



Alfalfa, first cut 816 4,080 



