114 OTHER FORAGE PLANTS— LUCERN. 



to Lucern as to allow sheep to graze it, as they mutilate 

 the crowns of the plant to such extent as to render the 

 plantation useless. Ten lbs. of seed is enough when 

 sown in drills with the rows, as they ought to be, at 

 least twelve inches apart. The quantity must differ 

 essentially according to the distance of the drills, and 

 it must be the highest where the broadcast system 

 is adopted. This writer says that between May and 

 November he mowed over the entire breadth four times 

 at least, and found no subsequent treatment required 

 beyond hoeing or pecking between the rows to keep 

 under the grass and weeds. Eoots thirteen feet long 

 have been measured by the side of a sand-pit. 



Ameo'ican authorities say that in California (especially 

 in the southern part of the state) Lucern — under the 

 name of Alfalfa — is cultivated largely for hay, and 

 large crops are made by irrigation. It succeeds well in 

 Montana. In some parts of Utah scarcely anything 

 else in the way of forage plant is cultivated. Same 

 may be said of New Mexico. Also is cultivated largely 

 in Texas, and does very well. 



Dr. Steblek's opinion is, that when green, and cut 

 before the flowering stage, Lucern gives a forage of the 

 best quality — in fact, more nutritious than Red Clover 

 of average quality. It is first-rate for milch cows ; and 

 is so rich in albumen or flesh-forming materials that it 

 answers well for mixing with fodder which is poorer in 

 that substance — for instance, with chopped straw, &c. 

 It does well only on a free, deep, mellow soil which 

 has been cleared of weeds, and suits to follow after a 

 potato or root crop. It is sown at end of April or early 

 in May, when no further fear of damage from late 

 frosts. Some people mix Bed Clover with the Lucern, 



