36 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 



enough to plant 5 seeds per sq. ft. on an acre, but as there is the 

 difficulty of even distribution and loss from poor seed or the seeds 

 not being covered, it is best to sow 15 to 20 lbs. per acre. If 

 drilled in, the 15 lbs. is sufficient; if sown broadcast, sow 20 lbs. 

 per acre. 



In a comparison of 10 and 20 lbs. of seed per acre made at Wis- 

 consin and reported in Bui. 259, it was found that with 10 lbs. of 

 seed per acre there was more trouble from weeds and blue grass, 

 that the alfalfa grew a little taller, while 20 lbs. to the acre gave 

 hay of a better quality, a thicker stand and a larger jaeld. 



Harvesting. 



When to cut a field of alfalfa for hay is best determined by an 

 examination of the plant, both as to blooms and more especially as 

 to the appearance of the sprouts at the base of the stems. The 

 crop should be cut before the new shoots are tall enough to be 

 clipped by the mower, else the next crop will be much injured. 

 The rule to cut when the field is about one-tenth in bloom is also 

 sometimes followed but the best authorities on alfalfa growing say 

 to be guided by the new shoots and always cut when they are well 

 started. 



In this connection, I would call your attention to the record of 

 yields from two ec^ually good fields of alfalfa at the Rhode Island 

 Experiment Station. One was cut when the plants had about 

 reached maturity but neither blossoms nor sprouts were visible. 

 The other field was cut at the proper time. The total yield from 

 the three cuttings, the third or last being made at the same date 

 on both, was in favor of the mature rather than the very early 

 cuttings: Early 4.24 tons, Mature 4.50 tons. 



Curing the Hay. 



It is good practice to begin mowing as soon as the dew is off in the 

 forenoon and then rake into small windrows about four o'clock. 

 Then either make small haycocks at once or let it lie until the next 

 day and turn it and then cock it. 



