Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1862-01-29
LuceFne.


The cultivation of lucerne, as a hay plant,
has not yet become popular in this country. In
some sections, however, it has long been known,
and is highly recommended for its many excel
lent qualities, being vigorous grower, hardy,
ana on suitable soil richly-yielding grass
Many who have attempted the cultivation of
iacerne have failed in consequence of not un-
derstanding its peculiar habits. In the case
OF most grasses, we consider the preparation of
the surface soil Of the greatest moment; but we
rarely attempt to ameliorate the subsoil. In
the preparation Of field Of lucerne, however
1t is often necessary to 20 below the vegetable
stratum, and undertake the improvements of
the soil. Some have asserted, and among the
number Won Thaer, we believe, that in the
cultivation of lucerne the lower stratum of the
soil is OF more consequence than the upper
The plant, as it develops from year to year,
sends down its principal roots, and still contin-
ues so to do, as long as it finds food in its pro-
gress, and hence it is essential that the SOIL for
at least the depth Of two or three feet, be of
similar geological and chemical texture. Where
different strata occur, overlaying each other
short of this depth, it is important that the diff
ferent ingredients Of each be thoroughly mixed
together. This can only be effected at great
expense, and 1t is better therefore not to at
tempt 1t. There are localities on almost every
farm which are well adapted to the cultivation
OF this grass, and these may be diseefned by
examination, and at very small expense.
On suitable soil, free from excessive humi-
dity, and tolerable warm, Iucerne is no doubt
susceptible OF being made a very profitable
crop; but we would caution all against the
ldea-preValent in some sections at present,
and to the no small detriment, we fear, of the
interests OF agriculture-that any and all des-
criptions of soil may be made to produce this
crop by the aid Of lime. True the presence of
lime, especially in the substratum, is an indis-
DenSQOla IN ;-Lk
well assert that Indian corn can be proftably
grown on any soil by the assistance of manure.
Ii Is very long-lived grass; in proof of
which We quote the following illustration from
| the pages Of Won Thaer: "On piece of garden
ground, formerly used as lacerne field, and
afterwards turned up twice with the spade
and laid down to grass, have seen insulated
iucerne plants grow up which must have been
thirty years old. A lucerne field may often be
kept up fifteen years; seven or eight years is
the time usually reckoned. Some cultiyators
| sufer their lucerne to grow for four or five
years only, not so much from fear fits perish
ing or diminishing, as for the sake of turning
the SOL to greater account by more rapid al
We have seen it stated that some Massaebu-
setts farmer has cultivated this grass for many
years on piece Of pine plain land, and finds
IL not only vigorous grover, but grass which
makes an excellent food for stock, either green
or dry.
IL the plant is so long-liYed, as stated by Won
Inaer, the cost Of preparing the ground is no
greater than that Of preparing it for timothy
crops, as that ought to be repeated as often as
once IN seven or eight years. 1t is best to sow
II IN drlis just as early as the ground is fit to
receive the seed in the spring, ami if well ten
asa II may De cut three or four times during
the season, sfording an abundant and bighlY
nqtruons crop each time. 1t flourishes In
maine, where the ground is continually cover
ed with snow through the winter; but there
may De risk in eultivating in the eastern part
OF massachusetts,, on account of the earth being
pare sometimes for weeks together, when IL Is
very cold. 1t is crop well worthy of experi.
ment, especially by those who produce milk