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It derives its name, Alfalfa, from the Chilians. It grows spon- 

 taneously all over Chili, among the Andes, as well as on the 

 pampas of that country, and of Buenos Ayres. The French and 

 Spanish settlements of the Southern States adhere to it, and culti- 

 vate it in preference to all other iorage plants. It would be a good 

 addition to the farms of West Tennessee, especially in the sandy 

 bottoms. It would also thrive upon the alluvial bottoms of any 

 part of the State where the sun has fair play on the ground. 



When properly managed, the number of cattle which can be kept 

 in good condition on an area of Lucerne, during the whole season, 

 exceeds belief. It is no sooner mown than it pushes out fresh 

 ehoots, and wonderful as the growth of clover sometimes is, in a 

 field that has been lately mown, that of Lucerne is far more rapid. 

 Lucerne will last for many years, shooting its roots tough and 

 fibrous almost at those of liquorice downwards for nourishment, 

 till they are altogether out of reach of drought. In the dryest and 

 most sultry weather, when every blade of grass droops for want of 

 moisture, Lucerne holds out its stem fresh and green as in the 

 genial spring. 



Although so luxuriant in France, it will not flourish in England 

 for the want of sun. It has generally bailed in the Northern States 

 for the same reason, superadded to the cold, while in the South it 

 is a fine, thrifty plant. It has been fully tested in Georgia and 

 Alabama, and has given universal satisfaction. Horses there, it is 

 said, require no other food when not constantly engaged in work. 

 Five tons of good hay have been made to the acre. It is estimated 

 that five horses may be supported during the entire year from one 

 acre of it. It is ready for the mower a month before red clover, 

 and springs up long before the usual pasture grasses. In saving 

 it for hay, care must be exercised, as in red clover, not to expose 

 the plant too long to the sun, as it will shrivel and dry up the 

 leaves, and they will be lost. The time for cutting is when it is in 

 full bloom, as in red clover. 



Occasionally it is attacked by an insect, when it begins to turn 

 yellow, then it should at once be cut, as it will quickly dry up 

 otherwise. Owing to the scarcity of seed, and the small amount 

 cultivated, it is quite expensive, but the farmer can test it on a 

 small quantity of land, and at the same time secure seed for future 

 sowing. The first year it is apt to be troubled by the presence of 



