80 Richard Frotscher's Almanac and Garden Manual 



Whenever the plant is in 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 seem 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 

 ploughing, 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, 

 imported by you from France, side by side with the Alfalfa seed sent 

 me by Trumbull & Co., of San Francisco, and I cannot seethe slightest 

 difference in appearance, character, quality or quantity 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 generation 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 law, 



20 Carondelet Street, 



New Orleans. 



