CUTTING THE ALFALFA 221 
Before clipping, however, examine the little 
alfalfa plants to see whether buds have started 
near the ground. If these buds are just burst- 
ing into leaf, clip the alfalfa at once. Do not 
clip it before the buds start. Do not cut the 
alfalfa for hay or any other purpose before these 
buds have formed close to the earth. To cut it 
before the buds appear may very seriously set it 
back, and may possibly kill young alfalfa. To 
leave alfalfa uncut will also very seriously weaken 
it, and may result in its death. However, the 
first season it should be permitted to grow as 
long as it is vigorous. There should always be 
left a growth of at least a foot to protect the 
crowns in winter. 
Alfalfa should be cut when about one-quarter 
of the plants are in blossom, whether the growth 
is short or tall, unless a seed-crop is desired. If 
left until fully blossomed, the quality of the prod- 
uct is reduced; besides, the plants are injured and 
subsequent crops are smaller. On rich lands, two 
crops are sometimes secured the first summer 
from spring seeding, but on poor lands or in a 
dry season, no crop can be expected unti! the 
second year. 
Yield of alfalfa 
The yield on established fields will vary accord- 
ing to the eharacter of the land, thickness of 
