MEDICAGO FALCATA, A YELLOW-FLOWERED ALFALFA. 65 



The natural range of distribution of the species, its specific adapta- 

 tions, and its behavior under field conditions in this country warrant 

 the conclusion that it is relatively hardy and drought resistant. 



Chemical analyses and general feeding tests indicate that it is 

 approximately as valuable from a feeding standpoint as common 

 alfalfa. 



The cultural requirements of Medicago faXcata appear to be much 

 the same as those of Medicago sativa. On account of the hard seed 

 which the former produces and the slow growth of the young plants 

 it is difficult to secure a satisfactory stand from seeding, either broad- 

 cast or in rows. When grown in broadcast stands the procumbent 

 forms are inclined to be more nearly erect than when grown in rows 

 or hills. The plants of this species bear transplanting better than 

 do those of Medicago sativa. 



Data from broadcast plats of Medicago falcata and Medicago 

 sativa indicate that in seasons when only one cutting of the latter 

 can be procured the former produces the heavier yield, but in favor- 

 able seasons, when two or more cuttings can be procured, the latter 

 excels appreciably in yield. 



Sowings of Medicago falcata have been made on unbroken native 

 sod land and a fair stand of plants secured. The plants appear to 

 lack sufficient aggressiveness to make them really valuable under 

 such conditions. 



The greatest possibilities offered by the species appear to be in 

 the field of selection and hybridization. In a few cases it is prob- 

 able that the development of promising pure strains by selection 

 will prove to be advantageous. As the result of hybridizing with 

 Medicago sativa and subsequent selection it is believed that superior 

 varieties of alfalfa can be developed and that the greatest value of 

 the species is for this purpose. 



Much time and effort will be required before Medicago falcata 

 will be ready for general cultivation. 



