140 THE LUCEKNE CROP. 



The alluvial deposits on a sandy substratum, and the 

 warped soils of estuary formations are generally well 

 adapted for the crop. The stronger soils, as the clays and 

 clay loams, are not suited in this climate for lucerne ; they 

 are not only too compact to allow the roots to develope 

 themselves freely, but they are too moist and cold for its 

 growth, which generally is of a very unsatisfactory char- 

 acter. On the Continent and in good climates large 

 crops are frequently obtained, even on clay lands; but in 

 all cases, and everywhere, the lighter class of soils is that 

 most suitable to its growth. 



Lucerne can hardly take a regular place in the rota- 

 tion, as the principal feature in its cultivation, and that 

 which distinguishes it from the other forage crops, and 

 indeed gives it a distinct value, is its permanent habit, 

 which enables it to continue as a productive crop during 

 the whole period of our longest rotation. It is generally, 

 therefore, grown for its own intrinsic value as a forage 

 crop of a very productive character, and receives a special 

 treatment, according to the object for which it is culti- 

 vated. As the crop is generally grown for home consump- 

 tion only, the breadth cultivated is not very large, rarely 

 exceeding a few acres in extent. Where grown, however, 

 for sale, as in the neighbourhood of large cities, the culti- 

 vation is frequently on a more extensive scale. 



In preparing the land for lucerne, the point of greatest 

 importance is to effectually clear it of all weeds, whether 

 annual or perennial, as unless this be thoroughly done 

 before the crop is sown, they can never be eradicated 

 afterwards, and will speedily become rivals in the field 

 with the cultivated plants, and, owing to their superior 

 vigour, in the course of two or three years will ob- 

 tain mastery over them, and greatly diminish their pro- 

 duce. In order to secure this and the other necessary 

 conditions for the growth of the plant, it is strongly 



