A. H. Hoffman, Inc., Seedsmen, Landisville, Lancaster Co., Pa. 31 
lime must be applied after plowing and same must be worked in thoroughly, preferably by discing and, 
if possible, a few weeks before seeding, 
6. BEST TIME TO SEED. This is different in different localities and depends upon climatic 
conditions and upon whether you can give proper attention to soil preparation, weed killing, etc., in ad- 
vance of any set time for seeding. You can sow either Spring or Fall, here in the Middle Atlantic and 
Ohio Valley States. A very good rule is to seed as long ahead of the most trying season for the young 
plants as possible. Any time in late April, May or June in the Spring, or late July, August or early 
September in the Fall is permissible, provided the other conditions in these paragraphs have been taken 
care of. Where very hot mid-summers must be feared, early Fall seeding should be considered. Where 
very severe winters are anticipated Spring seeding may be preferred. We have observed that among 
the successful Alfalfa growers of Pennsylvania and adjoining states Spring and Fall seeding are prac- 
ticed in about equal proportion and with about equal success. 
7. SHALL THE SEED BE COVERED? By all means cover the seed. Seeding on top as 
clovers and timothy are occasionally seeded will be risking failure. On heavy loam soils cover the seed 
from three-fourths to one inch. On sandy soils that dry out readily cover one and one-half to two inches 
Alfalfa seeds have a hard coat and will not germinate unless the seed is firmly packed in damp soil 
When seed is broadcasted a shallow set smoothing harrow or a weeder must be used. We believe 
in rolling after working in the seed. Alfalfa disc drills do splendid work as the seed caii all be placed 
in the exact depth that is required. 
8. HOW HEAVY TO SEED. In the East more seed is needed than in the West. We advise 
usmg plenty of seed. Ten to twelve pounds would be sufficient here in the East if all other conditions 
were exactly as they should be. Unless you have eliminated all danger from weeds and are absolutely 
sure of sufficient dampjiess to encourage perfect germination and can place every seed at the right deptli 
you will be much safer if you sow twenty pounds per acre. We know many successful Alfalfa men who 
put m thirty pounds per acre. This is a matter of judgment which must be considered together with 
every other condition under which the Alfalfa bed is started. 
9. ABOUT NURSE CROPS. Nurse crops, where there are some weeds to contend with help 
to check them in Spring seeded Alfalfa. A nurse crop may be harvested and the income derived 
will help toward the expense of starting the Alfalfa. This way the use of the land the first year is 
not entirely surrendered to the Alfalfa. The nurse crop should be sown lightly. Heavy seeding will 
rob the Alfalfa of moisture and fertility. Don't use oats. Oats drinks too much water and shades 
thickly. Spring barley, beardless preferred, at rate of J4 bu. per acre, is the most suitable grain to 
use for nurse crop. Don't plant nurse crops withAlfalfa in the Fall. When nurse crops are used 
in the Spring sow the grain and Alfalfa separately. 
10. SELECTION OF SEED OF MOST IMPORTANCE. Unfortunately, good Alfalfa seed 
is not sold from every country store. Indeed, poor seed has been the cause of many poor stands and 
failures. There has never been an excess of real good seed. Alfalfa Seed of real merit always sells 
high in price. Indeed, the highest priced seed in the market is usually the cheapest and safest The 
loss resulting from poor seed is much greater than the difference in cost of seed The loss comes 
from the labor thrown away, the time sacrificed, and the disappointing yields— not to speak of weeds 
introduced. Seed should be clean as possible and high in germination. It should be largely brieht 
m color and as plump as possible. A shrunken seed may come up but will never make a real strong 
plant. Seed grown in the short seasons of the Northern border seems to start better and stronger 
and surer than that produced further South. Seed produced on irrigated lands is not equal to that 
produced on unirrigated lands. We have given special attention to selection of Alfalfa Seed stocks 
for our trade. On pages 6 and 7 you will find our brands described. These were gathered personally 
by our representative, who went right to the sources of production and selected stocks of seed from 
hrst hands that can be relied upon. 
WINTER SEED WHEAT 
\Vinter Seed Wheat is our great specialty in the Fall. There is now growing for 
us an immense acreage which will be ready to deliver to our customers shortly after harvest 
time next July. Selected strains of the hardiest varieties known will be very carefully 
cleaned by most modern machinery, and offered to you. It will pay you to select a variety 
from the list we will offer. 
