Xo. 4.] ALFALFA IN MASSACHUSETTS. 13', 



start, and would urge that small trial areas be put in in all localities 

 where soils of the right character are found. He would call particular 

 attention to the fact that the successful cultivation of alfalfa would 

 not otdy mean a valuable addition to our forage crops, but would 

 also mean soil improvement, for where alfalfa has been successfully 

 grown the soils are sure to be rendered more productive. This im- 

 provement in the case of alfalfa would be a consequence, first, of the 

 extensive subsoiling due to tlie deep penetration of the great tap 

 roots of the plant; and, second, to an accumulation of nitrogen in 

 roots and stubble, drawn in the first instance from the air. It will be 

 understood that when an alfalfa sod is plowed this nitrogen will be- 

 come available! to succeeding crops. 



