47 

 stages of its growth it is dependent upon a soil supply of this 

 important element. 



The best possible seed should be obtained, and it would seem 

 wise to obtain that grown as far to the north as possible. Ex- 

 perience at Amherst has indicated that heavy seeding is advis- 

 able, and from 25 to 30 pounds of seed per acre are usually used. 

 If sown at the time indicated, the alfalfa and the few weeds 

 which start with it will need cutting before the end of the sum- 

 mer. It seems wise, how^ever, to allow it to grow as long as it 

 continues healthy and is not too much shaded by the weeds. If 

 the leaves show rust and turn yellow, it should be immediately 

 cut. If the growth is not too heavy, it will be best for the perma- 

 nent good of the field to allow what is cut to remain on the ground, 

 and this will be true also of a second cutting, if such cutting is 

 necessary during the first season. The last cutting should never 

 be late, as there should be considerable growth at th-e opening 

 of winter to afford protection. Unless the mulch afforded by 

 the previous cuttings and the growth which remains on the ground 

 at the approach of winter affords thorough protection, a heavy- 

 top-dressing with strawy manure has been found advisable. Even 

 after the crop is fully established, late autumn cutting should be 

 avoided. Considerable growth to hold the snow and afford pro- 

 tection during the winter will always be desirable. 



§*(e)^^ 



