ALFALFA FOR SOILING 33 



the second, and never closely. It is very desirable to 

 mow pastures occasionally to keep them fresh, and to 

 prevent the exhaustive process of seeding by many of 

 the plants. Alfalfa should never be pastured so late 

 in the fall that there will be no protection left for the 

 crowns during winter; stock should not be allowed in 

 the pastures when there is a slight thaw, with frozen 

 soil below, as much harm may be done to the crowns. 

 Hogs will root out patches occasionally if not given 

 sufficient range; ringing or slitting the nose is some- 

 times done to prevent this. Ten yoang hogs per acre 

 will not damage alfalfa, and should make i,ooo pounds 

 of gain in a season, under ordinary conditions, with- 

 out grain. However, alfalfa is better adapted to the 

 making of hay, or for soiling, than for grazing, with 

 perhaps the exception of pasture for hogs. It is 

 doubtful whether as large returns can otherwise be 

 secured from land, with as little outlay, as by pastur- 

 ing alfalfa with young hogs. 



AI<FAI,FA FOR SOILING 



There is no other plant that can take the place of 

 alfalfa for mowing and feeding green in summer. It 

 comes early in the spring, stays late in the fall, and if 

 properly handled and the season favorable it can be 

 cut every day, and for feeding value is not equaled. 

 It is relished by every class of farm animals. For 

 dairy purposes it is par excellence. The quantity of 

 feed a few acres will furnish when rightly managed is 

 almost incredible. Ten mature cows, giving milk, 

 have been fed the entire summer on the alfalfa from 

 four square rods less than two acres. A cutting was 

 made once each day, and the cows fed from it twice 



