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ALFALFA 



Testing the Seed. Alfalfa seed should be tested before 

 planting, as the test will reveal to the farmer several facts 

 which will guide him in his work. Before purchasing alfalfa 

 seed in large quantities, farmers should write to their seeds- 

 men requesting samples of seed. A simple plate tester is 

 used in making the germinating test. This tester is made 

 by using two tin pie plates, one slightly smaller than the 



Fig. 79. Pie-plate testers for alfalfa and grass seeds. 



other. Earthen plates can be used, but they are not so 

 convenient and are liable to be broken. Cotton or flannel 

 pads are cut out the same size as the inside of the under 

 plate. The pads are soaked in water and then squeezed 

 to remove the surplus water. One pad is put at the bottom 

 of the larger plate and a hundred alfalfa seeds are placed 

 upon it. The other pad is placed upon the seeds and the 

 smaller plate inverted and used as a cover to prevent 



