60 BULLETIN 428, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
Lack of distinct differences in the appearance of varieties, espe- 
cially in seed characters, handicaps the promotion of new alfalfas. 
Striking differences excite interest on the part of farmers, while lack 
of them affords opportunity for fraudulent practices in connection 
with the sale of seed. Unless-a variety is markedly different from 
one that is commonly grown, either in general appearance or in adap- 
tation to certain conditions, farmers are not apt to take more than a 
passing interest in it. The real differences between varieties are 
not always visible. Hardiness and drought resistance, while highly 
important characteristics, can not be readily determined. Fortu- 
nately, the so-called variegated group, containing readily recogniz- 
able hybrid alfalfas and including our hardiest and most drought- 
resistant strains, is sufficiently distinct from the common, Peruvian, 
and Arabian groups to be recognized by those who are familiar 
with these groups. This lessens the confusion and has a tendency to 
discourage to some extent the practice of seed adulteration and mis- 
branding. 
There are at present several commercial strains belonging to the 
variegated group, which complicates to some extent the establishment 
of new strains of this broad group. However, the newly created 
varieties resulting from a cross between Jfedicago sativa and Medi- 
cago falcata have a preponderance of variegated flowers unless 
selected to a narrow type, and this assists in distinguishing such 
strains from the Grimm and similar older strains. 
Careless planting, harvesting, and cleaning, and, most important 
of all, the willful substitution and adulteration of seed, soon undo 
the work of careful breeding. These are the most serious handicaps 
to the permanency of a new and superior variety. A considerable 
degree of carelessness is certain to result, and the high price at which 
seed of new varieties commonly is held offers a strong inducement for 
fraud. Regardless of the care that has been taken and the warnings 
that have been issued, there are thousands of pounds of seed of other 
varieties sold annually under the name of Grimm. Properly drafted 
and administered seed-control laws assist in keeping down such prac- 
tices, but in many cases positive proof of fraud can not be produced 
until after the harm has been done. 
Since it would seem that the life of a distinct and superior variety 
of alfalfa under our present conditions is not long, it is more advan- 
tageous to develop continuously new varieties than to endeavor to 
perpetuate pure stocks of the old ones. This leaves a large field for 
the various forms of Medicago falcata. Even if the hybrid strains 
that are now used can not be improved upon, there will be need for 
new ones to take their place when they have lost their identity 
through mixing with other strains. 
