(i) A culture may be obtained and used in accordance with direc- 

 tions accompanying it. Such cultures are produced both in the 

 United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C, and 

 by a number of private companies. Most of the experiments with 

 them up to the present time have given results inferior to those ob- 

 tained by following the second method of inoculation, 



(2) Harrow in 300-400 pounds per acre of soil from an old and 

 successful alfalfa field. 



In soil inoculation, it should be remembered that exposure of the 

 germs to the light, even if only for a short time, destroys their 

 vitality. It is advisable, therefore, to harrow in the germ-carrying 

 soil as promptly as possible after spreading. 



Leaf-spot or rust. In certain localities, and in some sections more 

 than others, alfalfa is subject to a parasitic disease which results first 

 in the appearance of yellowish spots upon the leaves, and later in 

 the loss of a large proportion of the foliage. When these spots are 

 observed it is best to cut the alfalfa immediately. Under this treat- 

 ment a healthy growth will soon start, but if the diseased plants are 

 allowed to stand they will be greatly weakened. If leaf-spot shows 

 itself in a newly seeded field while the plants are yet young, the cut- 

 tings may be allowed to lie where they fall. They will serve to fur- 

 nish mulch and winter protection which is so greatly needed in our 

 climate. 



Harvesting alfalfa. Alfalfa should usually be cut soon after it 

 begins to blossom. If allowed to stand much beyond this period the 

 plants start much less promptly, and the total yield of the season 

 will be less. The last cutting of the season should not be too late. 

 It is desirable that there should be a considerable growth to remain 

 in the field for winter protection. After cutting, alfalfa should be 

 allowed to lie, with possibly one turning, until it is moderately wilted. 

 It should then be put first into windrows and later into cocks, where 

 it should be allowed to remain until cured. If hay caps can be used, 

 the results will be highly satisfactory. Should the time required in 

 curing exceed about five days the cocks should be moved to avoid 

 injury to the roots. 



Annual top-dressing. If the soil has been successfully inoculated, 

 so that the nodules which have been referred to are abundant upon 

 the feeding rootlets of the alfalfa plants, it will be unnecessary to 

 top-dress with materials furnishing nitrogen ; but in order to secure 

 large crops, it will be essential to supply the mineral elements of 

 plant food in abundance, and the following mixture of materials is 

 reconuiiended annually, per acre : 



J>asic slag meal, 1,600 to 1,800 lbs. 



Low grade sulfate of potash, 600 to 800 lbs. 



This mixture may be applied either in the autumn or in the very 

 early spring. 



Experiments with alfalfa upon small areas are recommended in all 

 localities where soils of the right character are found. 



