Alfalfa

Medicago sativa, an herb of the natural family Leguminosæ, native of Europe, where it is known as Lucerne; extensively cultivated in America as a forage plant. Like most leguminous plants, it is rich in nitrogenous substances, whence much of its value as a fodder. It has deep roots, and is able to stand greater extremes of drought than any other plant of its cla . It thrives in most soils and climates of the s. U. S., but is mostly cultivated in the irrigated districts of the Rocky Mountain slope. It will not stand pasturing, but in good soil and under favorable conditions three and often four cuttings can be made in a season, It is sown broadcast late in spring in a well-prepared seed-bed, in land free from weeds. The young plants start rather slowly, and any large weeds should be removed by hand. The first year but a single cutting is usually made; after that it should be cut as often as it comes into bloom. Alfalfa, either green or made into hay, is nutritious and palatable, and is readily eaten by all cla es of stock.