BREEDERS, GROWERS, DISTRIBUTORS 25 
As a soil builder, alfalfa leaves the soil porous and well supplied with organic matter to a 
great depth beneficial to succeeding crops for several years afterwards. 
No field or forage crop calls for more care in the purchase of seed than does alfalfa, since it 
is not possible to distinguish between varieties and strains by the appearance of the seed, 
therefore only seed of known origin and variety, with high germination and purity should be 
used. Sound, well matured seeds are plump and of bright, olive-green color. 
COMMON (Chilean) 
Introduced from Chile to California about 1850. Probably more widely grown and bet- 
ter adapted in Texas than other varieties. Plants erect, 1-3 ft. high, with many branched 
fine, leafy stems. It may be cut from three to five times during the year, yielding high 
* quality hay, and may be used for pasture. Common Ryegrass and Rescue Grass are fre- 
quently sown with it to extend the grazing period and reduce the danger from bloat to 
cattle and sheep when the alfalfa is young and tender. 
HAIRY PERUVIAN 
Introduced from Peru in 1899. Not so winter-hardy as other varieties, but very drought- 
resistant and adapted to the long season areas of the South and Mexico. While it may not 
produce quite such good quality hay as Common, it may be cut more often and recovers 
rapidly. Plants 1-3 ft. tall, very vigorous, leafy, branching profusely; stems somewhat 
coarse. The stems and leaves are covered with very fine short hairs which give the variety 
its grayish appearance. 
SOUTHWEST COMMON 
An improved high-yielding variety. While not so winter-hardy as northern varieties, has 
proven quite adaptable to the variable climatic conditions in the central to northern sec- 
tions of the cotton belt. Has been grown for many years in Oklahoma and Wilbarger 
County, Texas. 

A rich alfalfa pasture 
