PRACTICAL EXPERIENCES 289 



granite loam soil, gravelly and sandy. The plant does 

 not grow well unless the soil is deep and well drained, 

 and will not grow where there is a clay subsoil or stag- 

 nant water. Well water is reached at a depth of lo to 12 

 feet, and the soil, unless cultivated or irrigated, becomes 

 dry and hard in the summer. As soon as the heavy frosts 

 in the spring are over, seed may be put in, alter thorough, 

 deep plowing and pulverizing. I always sow broadcast, 

 20 to 25 pounds to the acre, then harrow in and clod- 

 mash or roll Water for irrigation is obtained from 

 streams, and it should be applied as quickly as possible, 

 the best way being to flood the whole field for a few 

 days, and then take all the water off, as standing water 

 will kill the plant quicker than anything else. The quan- 

 tity of water needed the first and later years does not 

 seem to differ materially. As soon as the young alfalfa 

 is high enough, it should be mowed. This kills the weeds, 

 and gives better chance for growth. Then I cut for hay, 

 but it does not pay much the first year. If land is well 

 drained, the plant lives through the winter easily, and by 

 the second or third year is atfts best. In ground adapted 

 to its growth, it is almost everlasting, unless killed by 

 gophers or hogs. After the first season, there are three 

 or four cuttings, averaging each from one to three tons 

 to the acre. For hay, I cut as soon as it begins to bloom 

 freely, ordinarily raking the next day, and cocking the 

 third, in this dry atmosphere. The stack does not shed 

 water well, and the best plan is to put in a good bam. 

 The hay bales well, and the size of bale is simply a matter 

 of opinion or convenience, there being no difference in 

 the keeping quality. The second crop is the one for seed, 



