ALFALFA. 165 



crowding out alfalfa, witch grass is the one most frequently 

 mentioned. It is perfectly clear that sowing alfalfa in land 

 infested with witch grass is highly unwise. 



Yield obtained. — The range of yields in the successful ex- 

 periments as reported by the growers (in part estimated) is 

 from 1 to 6 tons per acre. This wide variation reflects the 

 extreme differences in character of soil as regards physical 

 characteristics and fertility, and also, no doubt to some extent, 

 the difference in thoroughness in the work of the different 

 farmers concerned. The average yield per acre of the 7 growers 

 who reported definitely is 3.2 tons. 



The Dates of Cutting. — There has been considerable diversity 

 of practice, in spite of the fact that very definite advice was 

 given, in the dates of cutting. The range has been about as 

 follows: the first cutting from June 17 to June 28; the second, 

 July 20 to August 20; the third, August 25 to September 25. 



The Opinions of Growers. — The following is a list of the 

 farmers who are co-operating in this work and a brief statement 

 of their opinions as to the value of this crop for the section 

 of the State in which they live : — 



C. M. Cud WORTH {Cummington). — Consider it a profitable crop if 

 clover and timothy can be kept out. 



John H. Bartlett (Nantucket). — I think it is a valuable crop to raise. 

 I am going to put in more this season. 



LovETT Brothers (Oxford). — Have reseeded. New stand gives 

 promise of a good crop. 



C. W. Prescott (Concord). — The crop is holding its own and doing 

 well considering that no plant food has been applied since planting. One- 

 half acre seeded to Grimm has been a wonder. 



Edward Kirkham (Holliston). — Crop has gradually died out. Shall 

 not try it again on my heavy soil unless I do some tile draining. 



Lyal^n p. Thoal^s (Rock). — Crop winterkilled because of the mistake 

 made in pasturing too late. 



Charles L. Clay (North Dana). — Still beheve it to be a profitable 

 crop if witch grass can be kept out. 



Paul Cunningham (Bolton). — Crop was killed out by drought of 1911. 



H. A. Parsons (North Amherst). — Results indicate crop to be valuable. 

 Seeded l%o acres more. 



Cyrus S. Bard well (Shelhurne). — Do not believe the crop is suited 

 to this \'icinity. 



G. B. TROWBRmGE (South Weymouth). — The dry weather has a bad 



