The state herald., 1907-03-15
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ing under fine, iuXuriant growth of
alfalfa, exceedingly rich in available
plant food, then would we be more for
chilly impressed with the truth that it
builds up rather than impoverishes the
soil. Even If there could be such a
thing as a crop of alfalfa being COM
pletely Eliminated from the soil, root,
branch, leaves and all, there is yet an
other great benefit to be derived from
1t, especially in this part of the coun-
try. 1t is estimated that in good
stand of alfalfa, there is probably 500,-
200 plants to the acre, more than ten
to the square foot. This would form a
vast capillarial system, 500.0 open
ings from the surface, which would car
ry into the earth to the depth Of from
to IL feet and store up, quietly and
efficiently, the vast quantities OF rain
fall that too frequently run oil into the
draws and lagoons.
A. = Forage for Horses.
II is now n pretty generally coicsd
ed fact that alfalfa hay Is, when fed in
judicious manner, an excellent feed
for horses. Horsemen, as a rule, Were
very slow TO take to il. And indeed IL
is well to feed with moderation at first
mix in plenty of other roughage, e.
specially to driving or work horses. As
is the case with most all concentrated
feeds, il is apt to damage the digestive
organs and, with them. other functions
which tend TO lessen the vitality Of the
horse. This may be looked for, especi-
ally in the urinary and perspiratory
glands, Whilc. 3' above stated, alfal-
IA is too rich food for grown horses,
unless mixed with combination Of
foods for roughncsb. yet for colts and
young growing horses II is an excellent
feed. 1t contains all the necessary ele-
mgnts To- he building up Of bone. mus
cIa, etc. j, inviguratvs and feeds the
nerves, thus stimulating the physical
processes, keeping the young growing
animal in healthy, vigorous condition.
! presume there can be no fixed rule as
10 the amount Of alfalfa TO be fed 10 u
horse but am Of the opinion that when
fed TO horses in any considerable guam
titles that the grain ration should be
propartionately decreased and that they
should be supplied with an abundance
Of other roughncas. II Is also highly
recommended that little salt be thro-
wn over the feed. and that the animal
have free access to plenty Of salt ut all
times: also that they be given an abun-
dance OF exercise.
Before leaving the subject, think II
would be In place 10 give some conclus-
Ions Of the Hon. +. d. Coburn Of To-
pckn, kans.: III you have as much AS
two acres Of land and COW, you need
TO raise alfalfa. II has no par. no riy-
nj. II you have been pursundcd that Il
will not grow In your neighborhood, or
your state, don't believe II. Try IL
faithfully for yourself for ton years.
II u fails, the reflection IL likely To be
on you. rather than on the alfalfa.
Those who know Il best are the ones
who swear by II and plant more. II
you hayn't the time or inclination 10
put your seod bed IN the finest possible
tilth before sowing. smooth and fine on
top. somewhat eompae,od. not mellow.
below, and frcc from weed seeds. don't
bother with alfalfa. Il would dinappoint
you. Success cannot come, except
good seed In used. and choice seed tho
only kind worth sowing always com
mands n good price. and ia worth Il.
Sow. without nurse crop. twenty
pounds TO the acre. Keep live stock
from grazing on u for two years. n
plants do not look thrifty or weeds
spring Up, Use the mower. The now
ing machine Ia nlfalfa's great tonic.
The disc harrow, n great inyigorator.
Cut hay when blossoms begin 20 ap.
pear, Save every leaf possible. Don't
plant too many aeros At frat, lf you
think twenty IL about right, try ten. "
forty. try twenty. A good patch Of
well set alfalfa Ia n perpetual joy. a
poor one Is an aggrayation and an eye
sore.