ALFALFA LUCERNE. 147 



II derives its name, Alfalfa, from the Chilians. It grows 

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

 the pampas of that country, and of Buenos Ay res. The French 

 and Spanish settlements of the Southern States adhere to 

 it, and cultivate it in preference to all other forage plants. 

 It would be a good addition to the farms of West Tennes- 

 nessee, 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 acre of Lucerne, during 

 the whole season, exceeds belief. It is no sooner mown 

 than it pushes out fresh shoots, 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 as 

 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 failed 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 esti- 

 mated 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. 



