MEDICAGO FALCATA, A YELLOW-FLOWERED ALFALFA. 65 
The natural range of distribution of the species, its specific adapta- 
tions, and its behavior under field conditions in this country warrant 
the conclusion that it is relatively hardy and drought resistant. 
Chemical analyses and general feeding tests indicate that it is 
approximately as valuable from a feeding standpoint as common 
alfalfa. 
The cultural requirements of M/edicago falcata appear to be much 
the same as those of ‘Wedicago sativa. On account of the hard seed 
which the former produces and the slow growth of the young plants - 
it is difficult to secure a satisfactory stand from seeding, either broad- 
cast or in rows. When grown in broadcast stands the procumbent 
forms are inclined to be more nearly erect than when grown in rows 
or hills. The plants of this species bear transplanting better than 
do those of Medicago sativa. 
Data from broadcast plats of Medicago falcata and Medicago 
sativa indicate that in seasons when only one cutting of the latter 
can be procured the former produces the heavier yield, but in favor- 
able seasons, when two or more cuttings can be procured, the latter 
excels appreciably in yield. 
Sowings of Medicago falcata have been made on unbroken native 
sod land and a fair stand of plants secured. The plants appear to 
lack sufficient aggressiveness to make them really valuable under 
such conditions. 
The greatest possibilities offered by the species appear to be in 
the field of selection and hybridization. In a few cases it is prob- 
able that the development of promising pure strains by selection 
will prove to be advantageous. As the result of hybridizing with 
Medicago sativa and subsequent selection it is believed that superior 
varieties of alfalfa can be developed and that the greatest value of 
the species is for this purpose. 
Much time and effort will be required before Medicago falcata 
will be ready for general cultivation. 
