LUCERNE OR ALFALFA. 
MEOICAGO SATIVA, L. Nat. Ord. LEGU Ml NOS/E. 
The advantages of this valuable forage crop and storer of nitrogen are becoming better appreciated by English 
farmers, but it is still far too little cultivated. The English area in 1889 was 19,614 acres, and in 1899 it had extended to 
32,238 acres, an increase of nearly two-thirds. The counties in which it is most largely grown are Essex, Kent, Suffolk, 
Hertford, Oxford, Norfolk, and Cambridge, so that it appears to be partial to the drier districts of England. 
It thrives best in deep, dry, light soils, where its tap-root may easily penetrate to a considerable depth. Deep 
calcareous loams are especially suited to it, and these should be well manured and thoroughly tilled in the autumn. 
Cleanliness is essential in the preparation of the seed-bed, to which deep tilth and liberal manuring should be 
added to ensure a remunerative crop. It may be advisable to include subsoiling or trenching in the preparation to 
secure a sufficiently deep tilth. 
From the middle to the end of April is the best time for sowing the seed, which should be drilled at widths 
of 6 to 8 inches, or sown broadcast, at the rate of 24 lb. to 30 lb. per acre. By broadcasting upon a perfectly clean 
seed-bed, weeds are much more effectually kept down than where drilling is adopted. On the other hand, where the 
drills are sufficiently close, the plants obtain mutual support, and there is no trailing on the ground. The object of 
the late seed-time is that the young plants, which are somewhat tender, may escape frost. 
Lucerne rapidly develops a crop, and yields well for seven or eight years, after which it begins to decline in 
value. But should the land show signs of becoming foul before this time, the most economical treatment would be 
to break it up. 
If very strong it may be cut the first year, at the end of August, and not too near the ground. But no stock 
should be turned in, as they are apt to injure the young plants. 
The second year it may be cut early in May, and three times altogether ; after which it will cut from four to 
six times a year. Instead of the last cut of the season, however, the crop may be lightly folded with sheep. 
A liberal top-dressing of farm-yard manure should be made every year, and where liquid manure is obtainable, 
it may be applied after each cutting with advantage. 
Sir John Lawes recommends that Lucerne Seed should always be included in mixtures for laying land down to 
permanent pasture. The deep-rooting habit of the plant and its capacity for storing up nitrogen are obviously strong 
recommendations in its favour for such a purpose. 
The finest Lucerne is grown in Provence, and is also extensively grown in the Argentine, in India, and in the 
Danube valley, in all of which countries its drought-resisting power make it invaluable. 
All kinds of stock — horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs — are fond of it, and it is an exceedingly nutritious food, rich 
in nitrogen. It is equally suited for green soiling and for making hay. Farmers who are not familiar with Lucerne 
might do themselves a service by growing an acre or two as an experiment. The suppression of weeds in the earlier 
stages of growth of the crop is essential. 
NEW SEED TESTED FOR GERMINATION AND PURITY. 
LUCERNE SEED, FINEST GUARANTEED QUALITY ... ... ... price Is. per lb.; 108 s. per cwt. J nnu 
LUCERNE SEED, No. 2 QUALITY price 10d. per lb. ; 88s. per cwt. J per acre* 
We recommend Purchasers of Lucerne Seed to buy the best quality. 
CARTERS’ “ LUCERNE ” MIXTURE. 
The value of Lucerne as a constituent in Permanent Pastures is admitted, but it should not be sown with the finer 
Grasses, to the existence of which it must necessarily prove fatal by reason of its rapid and powerful growth. 
The Mixture we offer comprises the strangest growing Clovers, Lucerne, and Grasses remarkable for bulk and 
nutritive properties. PRICE 26 - PER ACRE. 
CARTERS', 237, 238. & B7, HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON.— 1901. 
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