PRACTICAL EXPERIENCES 265 



IS no question about its place at the head of the list of 

 desirable forage crops. The sugar planters find it espe- 

 cially desirable to mix with their cheap molasses, as the 

 former is rich in protein and the latter rich in carbohy- 

 drates. In the southern portion of the state best results 

 are secured by planting in the fall. In the northern por- 

 tion good results are secured from early spring planting. 

 We use from 25 to 30 pounds of seed to the acre. Some 

 planters use more than this. Land that is least suited for 

 growing corn in Louisiana, because of its stiffness, is the 

 very best land for alfalfa. Where the crop has once been 

 used and the local supply runs short, it is shipped in from 

 Colorado to supply the demand. It is selling now for $15 

 a ton. No better testimonial need be given of the people's 

 estimate of its value. 



MASSACHUSETTS. 



Prof. William P. Brooks, Director Hatch experiment 

 station, — Our experiments with alfalfa have been con- 

 tinued both upon our own grounds and those of a few 

 selected farms in different parts of the state. We are 

 bringing to bear upon these experiments information in 

 regard to successful methods from every possible source. 

 We find in all cases a distinct benefit from a heavy initial 

 application of lime. We have used from 2,000 to 3,000 

 pounds per acre. We are enriching soils already natur- 

 ally good by heavy applications both of manures and fer- 

 tilizers, using materials which experience has proved best. 

 We are also giving the soil a most thorough preparatory 

 tillage. It has usually been fall-plowed, and in addition 

 it is plowed in the spring, and repeatedly harrowed to 

 destroy weeds which start m the early part of the season. 



