28 AI^FALPA 



though to what extent we are unable to say with cer- 

 tainty. As to how to determine if seed has been 

 ' stack-burned ' we are also unable to give information 

 that would be reliable, but are of the opinion that it 

 would be much darker in color with evidence of mold 

 appearing on the seeds. All we can do is to test such 

 seeds as do not show absolute worthlessness. Next, 

 it is of the first importance to see that the seed is pure, 

 and free from foreign seeds. The most common of 

 these, and hardest to detedl by the uninformed, are 

 Bokhara (or ' sweet ' ) clover and dodder. The former 

 closely resembles alfalfa seed in size and color, but can 

 easily be detected by its odor. The latter is of the 

 same color, but round and much smaller, and can be 

 removed in cleaning." 



METHOD OK SEEDING 



The alfalfa seed being very small contains but little 

 plant-food, and no more can be obtained until the 

 young plant has unfolded its first leaves in the sun- 

 light and its roots have taken hold of the soil. If 

 planted too deep it will not have strength sufficient to 

 push through the soil above it, and if planted too shal- 

 low germination may begin, but the soil dries out 

 around the seed and the plant dies. Hence, whatever 

 method is used, the object must be to place the seed in 

 the most advantageous position possible for its best 

 growth. 



The two general methods of seeding are broadcast 

 and in drills; broadcasting generally requires five to 

 ten pounds more seed per acre. The relative merits of 

 the two methods are determined somewhat by the con- 

 dition of the soil with respedt to moisture. If thor- 



