NEw York AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 183 
also useful. Winterkilling is most likely to occur during the first 
winter after seeding especially if the soil conditions are in any way 
unfavorable. It is possible that a part of the winterkilling of newly- 
seeded fields in New York is due to the use of southern-grown 
seed. Although there appear to be very few data on which to base 
an opinion, it is claimed by some that Arizona-grown seed will not 
succeed here. Wing’? says, “ Arizona seed if brought as far north 
as Buffalo will surely die out.” Considerable Arizona seed has 
been used in the State. Alfalfa certainly varies much in hardiness. 
Brand”? states that Peruvian alfalfa is completely lacking in hardi- 
ness in all northern localities. Until comparative tests have been 
made in New York it can not be stated from what region it is best 
to secure seed for use here. Coburn,?! on theoretical grounds, ad- 
vises Utah seed grown without irrigation. 
Pate RE OR (CH ne SEED GROP. 
It is of little use to attempt to produce alfalfa seed in New York, 
A few years ago F. H. Stillwell, Manlius, N. Y., grew about eight 
bushels of alfalfa seed, four bushels of which came from a single 
acre. ‘This is the only success known to us. On the Station grounds 
several unsuccessful attempts have been made to obtain seed from 
Turkestan alfalfa and the common sorts, sown broadcast and alsc 
in drills. However, plants missed by the mower on the margins of 
fields sometimes seed sparingly. Probably, climate conditions are 
in some way responsible for the failure of alfalfa to seed in New 
York, but the exact manner in which the trouble is brought about 
is not clear. 
Whe TRY) Oy SEE oo TCE). 
Concerning the viability of alfalfa seed in New York, definite 
statements can not be made. The writers have made few germi- 
nation tests. However, judging from the appearance of samples 
sent in by farmers and seedsmen we are of the opinion that the al- 
falfa seed sold in New York is frequently rather low in viability.” 
The Station can not undertake to make germination tests, but 
farmers should make such tests for themselves. With some ex- 
perience one may determine, approximately, the viability of alfalfa 
seed by its color and plumpness, but it is generally advisable to 
“Wing (113). *” Brand (6). = Cobugn «(15..pp,. 20720.) « 
“The standard germination for alfalfa seed is 85 to 90 per ct. (U. S. 
Dept. Agr. Yearbook for 1896: 624). 
