Judith Gap journal. [volume] (Judith Gap, Mont.) 1908-19??, 1909-03-05

fafa has been planted OH land that has produced
at least one crop after breaking and then sum-
nier fallowetl for a season. This treatment gets
the sod we'll worked down and the summer fall
low accumulates moisture to start the young al
falfa crop.
The seed ought to Ike sOwn soon as possible
in the spring after the ground has been summer
fallowed Plant with press drill. putting the
seeds we'll down into the moist soil. Use not
more than eight pounds Of seed the acre and in
distribution can Ike depended OF, a less
amount even down to four pounds has been
found to give satisfactory returns. Plant the
seed by itself. using no nurse crop; as when
present the nurse crop tends to SO reduce the
moisture contents Of the soil as to seriously
weaken the young alfalfa crop
DO not take amy hay from the field the first
year. When the crop is up high enough, cut it
hack with a mower and leave the hay lying on
the ground to protect the young root CROWNS
The cutting hack causes the plant to root more
deeply and helps to destroy the weeds.
The first spring after planting harrow the alfal-
ia field thoroughly with an ordinary drag har-
row. Commencing the second spring double
disc the alfalfa field as the ground is dry
enough and again Immediately after the crop is re.
moved. This cultivation forms mulch OH the
t,re by evaporation. When the alfalfa is desired
for pasture it is hest not to pasture too heavily
until the crop is we'll established during the sec.
ond year.
One possibility that promises large returns for
the dry farmer is the growing of alfalfa seed.
The most hardy strains Of alfalfa seed are grown
i'll the northwestern states without irrigation.
These are the exact conditions under which the
dry farmer is working and he may just as we'll
have large share Of the returns from this bust
Hess. During the past three years dry land al
falfa seed growers have harvested yields as
high as l6 bushels to the acre. AS the seed is up
wards OF ~ per bushel, yields averaging less
than half Of this amount would bring very salts.
factory returns.
When the crop is planted for the purpose Of
seed production light seeding. not more than
four pounds per acre. would seem advisable.
Some seed growers recommend planting the
alfalfa seed III rows Is inches apart. Careful ex-
periinentation will he necessary to find out the
best methods Of growing the seed CROP Since
good returns have been gained when the crop is
sowi i'll the ordinary way. and the first crop
each season allowed to stand for seed. farmers
will be safe in handling the alfalfa seed produc.
ton i'll this manner for the present
Bronze grass is Of the most droutl, resistant
OF all the grasses. II produces luxuriant
growth Of pasture and good yield Of hay
The seed ought to Ike planted OH a well pre-.
pared seed bed early in the spring. at the rate OF
p pounds to the acre AS seed is expensive a
method that is sometime followed is to plant one
acre and allow il to 20 to seed the first year.
From this seed sufficient for a larger area may
Ike gathered.
And Boulter Got Busy.
Deer Lodge, Mont,
February 22th, 1909
Mr.. II. W. Baulter,
Judith Gap, Mont.
Dear Sir
| See your Return yesterday Will
please you Send to Jap Section Com
atche a Box for Him and He tell me
Use to by His want Right away Box
is Send it please wish to you you
send that Box there
Your Truly
Harry II. kubata
Deer Lodge, Mont.