Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1824-04-28
LUCERNE,


We have long been persuaded, that the pub
lie are not generally sensible of the great
value OF Lucerne, in comparison with other
grasses, for green food, especially in hot
and dry seasons, and we are the mo,e arat-
lied in the opportunity of copying the fol-
lowing communication, to the PhiIadel-
phia Agricultural Society, founded, as it
purportS to be, on the experience Of ten
years. The seed may, we perceive, be
now had of Mr.. Robert Sinclair. at 50 cents
pound. Edit. .ara. Farmer.
TO THE PHILADELPHIA SOCIETY FOR THE
PROMOTION OF AGRICULTURE
Perth .4mboy, 10th July, 1928.
Having been for eight or ten years
past in the successful practice of cult
waiting iucerne, | think it may benef-
cially promote the interest of AgrcuI-
ture, to offer you few remarks on that
subject.
This article, Frequently denomioated
French Clover have found by expe-
rience, to be not only the most conven-
lent, but also the most profitable Of all
grasses. 1t vegetables quicker in the
Spring than any other grass,it resists the
effects of drought, i: may be cut or 5
times IN the course of the season, and it
will endure from 10 to ~ years without
renewing. Of all other grasses it is the
most profitable for soiling. am fully
of opinion that one acre properly got il
would be more than sufficient to main
tain at least 6 head Of cattle from the
first of May, until the icost set in, for
before it can be cut down in this way.
the first part oft will again be ready
for the scythe. English writers have
recommended the drill system for this
grass, but in this climate have fonnc
this plan not to answer.
The proper mode is 10 put the Land
in good order; to SOW it broad cast. and
TO get the seed in during the month Of
April, or the early part of May. Fall
sowing will not answer, as when sowed
so late, it, like Glover, is found not 10
resist the effects ofthe frosts. 1t may
lie got in with Spring rye, or barley, or
with OATS but in the last case, the oats
would require to be cut green and be-
fore getting into seed, and by this means
an early feed for cattle wonld be oh.
tanned without impoyeris.ling the soil,
But the mode | would most Confidently
recommend, would be to sow with the
lucerne, about halfa bushcl of common
(wlnter) rye to the acre. The effect Of
this is that the rye which vegetates
quickly, serves as nurse to the Young
grass, against the effects of the scorch.
ing sun, and by the time the grass at.
taIns sufficient strength TO protect itself
the rye withers and apparently dies
1t will however again come forth in the
spring, and mixed with the lucerne, will
add much to the quantity of fodder, and
prove most excellent feed for cattle
The rye will admit of being cut greer
in this way, before getting into seed
two or three times with the luccrne. be-,
fore it decays. The quantity of seed
recommend, is at the rlte of IS or oC
pounds 10 the acre.
The kind Of soil most suitable for thi.
culture is dry mellow Iand--but sand,
or clay land will also answer prooidec
they are not Tvet. In a favourable sea
son, the lucerne may be cut the ensuing
tall--atter the first season you may
generally begin to cut it grsen for cal
tie by the first of May, which saves the
young pasture, and is in every respect a
great convenience, as hogs and ever,
description of animals deyour it with e.
quail avidity. 1t produces a great guam.
tlly ofseed, and is much more easiI,
obtained than clover. The second anl
third crops are the most productive o
| seed, John pAJ'RIrY