IN THE DIFFERENT STATES 149 



cast, and harrowed lightly. It is permitted to grow 

 the first season free from molestation in case weeds do 

 not prove troublesome. If they do, a mower, set 

 rather high, is run over the ground as often as neces- 

 sary to keep the weeds in check. The second season 

 from two to three crops can be cut on irrigated land. 

 Alfalfa should be cut as soon as the blossoms appear, 

 as it develops crude fiber quite rapidly after this stage. 

 It is cured like clover hay, and is equally as suscep- 

 tible to injury by rain. Alfalfa endures pasturing 

 pretty closely without suffering material injury. On 

 suitable soils it will remain good from ten to twenty 

 years. There are no enemies of consequence. I^ittle 

 difficulty is experienced from pasturing alfalfa here if 

 the precaution is taken to turn the stock in when the 

 plant is free from external moisture and the animals 

 are not hungry. Alfalfa is valued very highly for 

 soiling, silage, hay, or for pasturing. The plant is 

 rich in protein, very palatable to stock, and is easily 



digested. ' ' 



PENNSYI.VANIA 



Prof. G. C. Watson, of the state college, thinks 

 from the number of inquiries recently received per- 

 taining to alfalfa, that it is not well known through- 

 out the state. At the station it has been impossible 

 to secure a good stand, although trials have been 

 made. The alfalfa winter-kills badly the first winter. 

 I^imestone clay soil holds too much water, and the 

 plants are injured by freezing. It frequently happens 

 that during the greater part of the winter the ground 

 is covered with snow. Blister-beetles have injured 

 alfalfa, vetches, and some other leguminous crops con^ 

 siderably. 



