482 ALFALFA FARMING IN AMERICA. 



too leafy, the plant too prone to lodge. One gets a 

 far better stand, as a rule, to sow barley instead of 

 oats. We have done considerable experimental work 

 with winter rye, sown out of season in April or May 

 as a nurse-crop for alfalfa. Some of the best stands 

 we have ever had were secured in this manner. In 

 midsummer the rye dies, leaving the land to the al- 

 falfa, which then makes rapid growth. If rye is 

 used, however, sow no more than half a bushel to the 

 acre or else it will perhaps stool so that it will be- 

 come too thick. Winter wheat sown in April or May 

 at the rate of half a bushel or 3 pecks to the acre 

 seems to do about the same as the rye ; it keeps down 

 weeds and foxtail grass, does not head, makes in 

 midsummer a fine, leafy hay of no very great 

 amount, and dies then and gives the land to the 

 alfalfa. 



Comparing these three permissible nurse-crops 

 we are yet undetermined. The beardless barley 

 gives us the most hay and seemingly perfect stands 

 of alfalfa. The stands from the use of winter wheat 

 and rye are perhaps even better. I advise the read- 

 er to test the matter for himself, on his own soil, 

 taking care, however, not to sow rye thicker than 

 half a bushel to the acre. 



What to Do with the Nurse-Crops. Watch the al- 

 falfa and the nurse. If the latter shows any tend- 

 ency to lodge and smother the alfalfa, cut it off 

 immediately for hay. When the barley is fairly in 

 head the alfalfa will be ready for its first cutting; 

 that is, will have formed its basal shoots, ready to 



