SEEDING GRASSES. 273 



The writer and his brother have worked, with it for 

 more than twelve years with no especial difficulty in 

 its eradication when the land was plowed and 

 planted to corn and well cultivated. 



Winter Grain in Alfalfa Fields. — J. M. Westgate, 

 of the Department of Agriculture, is sponsor for 

 the subjoined: 



In the Southwest the mild winters and the occurrence of 

 much of the rainfall during the colder months make it possible 

 to seed wheat or barley in a stand of alfalfa after the last cutting 

 and harvest It at the proper stage for hay the next spring with 

 the first cutting of alfalfa. The presence of a crop of small 

 grain during the winter months prevents the growth of trouble- 

 some weeds, which sometimes almost ruin the first cutting of 

 alfalfa. This practice has the further advantage of giving a 

 mixed crop of alfalfa and grain hay, which is regarded as superior 

 to pure alfalfa, owing to the scarcity in that section of feeds rich 

 in carbohydrates or starchy matter. This method is also com- 

 mendable when for any reason the stand has become thin, as 

 through the action of field mice. The amount of grain to be 

 seeded and dislied in depends on the thickness of the stand of 

 alfalfa. This practice has* been followed for many years in cer- 

 tain parts of the Southwest, although its value does not appear 

 to be recognized to the extent that it apparently deserves. 



Alfalfa and Kentucky Bluegrass. — Kentucky blue- 

 grass (Poa pratensis) loves alfalfa exceedingly well. 

 When soil is made right for alfalfa, it is just right 

 for bluegrass. Both love lime, both love fertile 

 soils, both love well-drained soils. Alfalfa also 

 fills the land with nitrogen, thus the bluegrass 

 crowds in. Usually it is classed as a weed. In a 

 meadow devoted only to mowing it is a hindrance, 

 though it will make a very heavy cutting of hay at 

 the first cutting. The mixture also makes exceed- 

 ingly good hay, especially for horses or cows. 



After bluegrass has run into the alfalfa it makes 



