For the Southern States. 93 
seed must be very lightly covered, and should be rolled, or brushed 
in, if not sowed with a Matthew’s Seed Sower. 
Whenever the plant isin bloom it must-be cut; for, if the seed be 
left to mature, the stems become hard and woody. Also, whenever it 
turns yellow, no matter at what age, it must be cut or mowed; for the 
yellow color shows the presence of some disease, or the work of some 
small insect, both of which seems to be remedied by moving promptly. 
My experience leads me to the conelusion that fully five tons of cured 
hay per acre may be counted on if proper attention be given to deep 
plowing, subsoiling, fertilizing and cleanliness of the soil. These 
things are indispensable, and without them no one need attempt to 
cultivate Alfalfa. 
In conclusion, I will remark that I have tried the Lucerne seed im- 
ported by you from France, side by side with the Alfalfa seed sent me 
by Trumbull & Co., of San Francisco, and I cannot see the slightest 
difference in appearance, character, quantity or quality of yield, or 
hardiness. They are identical; both have germinated equally well, 
that is to say, perfectly. 
In closing, I cannot do better than refer you to the little treatise of 
Mr. C. W. Howard, entitled: ‘‘A Manual of the Cultivation of the 
Grasses and Forage Plants at the South.”” Mr. Howard, among the 
very first to cultivate Lucerne in the South, gives it the preference 
over all other forage plants whatever. My experience confirms all 
that Mr. Howard claims for it. Certainly,a plant that lasts a genera- 
tion is worthy of the bestowal of some time, patience and money to 
realize what a treasure they can secure for themselves. I confidently 
believe that in ten years from this date the Alfalfa will be generally 
cultivated throughout the entire South. 
I am, respectfully yours, 
E: M. HUDSON, 
Counsellor at Lav, 
20 Carondelet Street, 
New Orleans. 
