66 THE BOOK OF ALFALFA 



of June if the weeds have been thoroughly subdued. 

 Or, if it has been sown in the spring and the weeds seem 

 to be overtopping it in July, mow close to the ground, 

 rake into windrows and burn. Then disk and harrow 

 thoroughly and sow again. In all probability there will 

 be something of a crop to mow early in September, with 

 a considerable autumn growth to follow. If it is not 

 desired to sow alfalfa in midsummer, disk this ground 

 and sow to rye or oats for pasture ; then late in August 

 disk and put in readiness for September sowing. The 

 failure may have been because the soil had not enough 

 bacteria, or favorable environment for the bacteria. 

 Some of the seed sowed at first undoubtedly ger- 

 minated and some bacteria were developed; enough 

 certainly to prepare the soil for the second sowing. It 

 is unwise after such a failure to go to another field or to 

 wait for another year. It is wiser to meet the conditions 

 at once, and vigorously persevere. 



In reference to the application of lime, mentioned on a 

 preceding page, it should be noted that the later experi- 

 ments seem to indicate that it is better to apply smaller 

 quantities at shorter intervals than larger quantities at 

 longer intervals ; also that air-slacked lime is less caustic 

 than the quicklime, and not so liable, when recently 

 applied, to harm the young plants which may come in 

 contact with it, hence more of the former may be used 

 and with greater safety. Ordinarily quicklime is con- 

 sidered the most beneficial. 



