RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTS. 25 



There were 170 replies received from those who have grown brome- 

 grass, of which 36 reported failures. Of these failures 26 were in the 

 southwestern portion of the State, from McPherson to Chase and 

 Franklin counties. The reasons for failure were mostly because the 

 seed did not germinate or gave a very scattering stand, but 8 failures 

 were due to the depredations of grasshoppers. 



The remaining 134 replies have been summarized as follows: The 

 present condition of the field of grass was reported good b} r 100, while 

 13 stated that the condition was poor. Spring sowing was recom- 

 mended by 86 and fall sowing b}^ 22. That a stand of brome-grass is 

 easier to obtain than of other grasses was stated by 48, while 42 thought 

 that this was not the case. A few had tried sowing brome-grass with 

 other crops but with varied results. With alfalfa, there were 5 suc- 

 cesses and 2 failures; with clover 3 successes and 2 failures. Three 

 reported a successful stand when sown upon prairie sod, while 5 

 failed in this. That this is a good hay grass was reported by 42, while 

 17 thought not. As a pasture grass, all except 2 reported favorably 

 so far as this point was touched upon, while 42 stated that it was good 

 for early and 49 for late pasture. Twenty-four stated that it was good 

 for winter pasture. The drought resistance was reported good b} r 

 53 and poor b} T only one. The reports of 14 farmers showed that it 

 was good for sandy soil and 50 stated that it made a good sod. 



Alfalfa. 



The well-known perennial legume alfalfa (Medicago sativa, PI. II) 

 is the most valuable forage plant grown in Nebraska. Every effort 

 should be made to extend the culture of this plant to all parts of the 

 State. Being a legume it is highly nutritious; being a perennial it 

 produces a permanent meadow; being palatable it is relished by all 

 kinds of stock. . Although it is valuable as a pasture plant it is not 

 entirely suited to this purpose. Close pasturing is likely to kill it 

 out in spots. The great value of alfalfa lies in the production of hay. 

 The reader is referred to Farmers' Bulletin No. 31, United States De- 

 partment of Agriculture, for details in regard to this plant. 



It may be briefly remarked here, however, that in growing alfalfa 

 the ground should be well prepared, as free as possible from weeds, 

 and the seed should be sown when the soil is in favorable condition 

 for germination. The seed should be sown alone at the rate of about 

 20 pounds per acre, broadcast or, better, in drills. Where possible 

 Nebraska-grown seed should be used, or at least seed grown under 

 about the same conditions. 



