138 Richard Frotsoher's Almanac and Garden Manual 



Whenever the plant is ill 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 mowing promptly. 

 My experience leads me to the conclusion 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 see.d im- 

 l^orted 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 th€ 

 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 Laic, 



20 Carondelet Street, 



New Orleans. 

 ^ »» 



CHUFA. 



The following remarks on Chufa are taken from a letter written by 

 N. Stansbury, Esq., to the Louisiana Sugar Bowl. By my own ex- 

 perience I can indorse all what is said, and recommend to those wh<> 

 have not planted the " Chufa," to give it a trial. It is the best feed to 

 fatten hogs. 



They can be planted from March to June. They will yield from 

 125 to 150 bbls. per acre, with good cultivation. They are very produc- 

 tive and the best feed to fatten hogs. One bbl. will put as much fat on 

 the ribs of a hog as two of corn. The nut has a fine flavor, nearly equal 

 to the pecan. 



They should be planted in rows two feet apart, and from 10 to 12 

 inches in the row. When planted this way beds should be used and a 

 deep water furrow left at a distance of twelve or fifteen feet. The betier 

 plan would be to plant three feet apart and ten inches in the drill, as 

 this would afford a water furrow and not materially lessen the yield. 

 The nuts to be reserved for seed or other purposes should be gathered 

 before November, or in advance of frost, as the top then dies and the 

 nuts will not come up with the spires. 



