ALFALFA I 55 



for a longer period. In some parts of Florida, for 

 instance, the most satisfactory results have been ob- 

 tained from sowing in rows with 12 to 24 inches 

 between the rows, and then to cultivate between 

 these as may be necessary to keep down the growth 

 of weeds. Under some conditions also in the At- 

 lantic States, the most satisfactory results have been 

 obtained from sowing alfalfa in rows 14 to 16 inches 

 apart and cultivating between them. Even hand 

 hoeing the first season may be justifiable along the 

 line of the rows for small areas, but with the price 

 of labor as at present, would be too costly for large 

 areas. When grown in rows as indicated in the 

 Atlantic States and westward from these, the yields 

 of seed have been more satisfactory than when sown 

 broadcast, but the crop is less satisfactory for hay, 

 owing to the coarse and uneven character of the 

 stems. The amounts of seed wanted for such sow- 

 ing will, of course, vary chiefly with the distance be- 

 tween the rows. As small an amount as 6 pounds 

 or even less will in some instances suffice per acre. 

 Pasturing. — The practice of pasturing alfalfa 

 the first season, especially where it cannot be irri- 

 gated, is usually condemned, lest it should weaken 

 the plants unduly for entering the winter. It would 

 seem probable, however, that under some conditions 

 such grazing would be helpful rather than hurtful. 

 The cropping of the plants by stock, in the influence 

 which it exerts upon the plants, is akin to that which 

 arises from cutting them back frequently during the 

 summer. The animals thus grazed will also crop 

 down weeds. This, at least, is true of sheep. The 



