A TALK ON LUCERNE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 440, 17 February 1912, Page 3

A TALK ON LUCERNE.

They call it alfalfa in America. Alfalfa should be raked and cocked up the afternoon of the day of cutting, where conditions are favourable, according to Professor R. A. Moore of the college of Agriculture, of the University of Wisconsin. These cocks should not be left standing in the field mocre than two or three clays without moving, or the alfalfa underneath the cocks will be partially or completely smothered. By taking a pitchfork and running it into a cock of alfalfa near the bottom, one can easily move it. If alfalfa is exceedinglygreen and when cocked or ra ; ny weather sets in will "heat" unless the cock is opened every day or two. In favourable weather no more difficulty will be experiened in curing alfalfa than in curing heavy clover. Like clover, the leaves are rich in nitrogen and they drop off readily when dry. Therefore, the aim of the farmer should be to cure the alfalfa with the least possible handling. One-half of the feeding value may be lost through the weathering and improper handling of the crop. A much better crop quality of hay will be secured if the crop is cured under hay caps than in open cocks or windows. Caps may be made from light cotton duck by hemming the edges to prevent travelling. Eyelets should be made in the corners in which strings should be tied to fas ten the caps. Heavy wire cut 18 inches long and a loop made at the top in which to tie strings attached to make a convenient arrangement to holdthe caps in place. The wire pegs can be either run into the ground or pushed into the sides of the cocks. Alfalfa is either stacked or placed in a barn after curing. A good deal of the feeding value is lost through stacking as the hay is porous and rain penetrates the stacks to the extent of two or three feet. An outside mow with roof does fairly well, and little of the alfalfa is lost when stored under cover. A covering of marsh hay, or a tarpauiln will prevent damaging in the stack. It is well to let it "sweat." in the enck, otherwise it will heat and oret rusty in the barn.