92 THE BOOK OF ALFALFA 



crop for seed, the third crop is hardly worth more than 

 the cutting. The only point left in favor of using the 

 second cutting for seed, where the farmer is confident of 

 a third, is that the protein value of the second is the 

 lowest, and hence its hay can better be spared than that 

 from any other cutting. 



The raising of seed in the more humid eastern states 

 should not, generally, be attempted, as it will not only 

 interfere with obtaining full value in the hay crop, but the 

 less fertile soil will not produce as vigorous seed as will 

 the newer and richer lands west of the Missouri river. 

 At present the best seed for general use is produced 

 between that river and the Rocky mountains. Utah 

 produces a hardy seed, but much if not most of it is raised 

 under irrigation, and, hence, at least theoretically, not 

 deemed best adapted for regions dependent entirely upon 

 soil moisture from rains. 



