LUCERNE GROWING.

Otaki Mail, 29 September 1922, Page 4

LUCERNE GROWING.

A striking instance of the growing qualities of lucerne, where it receives proper treatment, is afforded by a threeacre stand at Bhirley, Canterbury (says an exchange). The area was sown on 2-tth November, 1921, in 20in. rows, after a dressing of burnt lime had been given. On 19th January,l922, exactly eight weeks after some stalks were cut and found to be 22in. in length. The first cut, u very heavy one, was made ten weeks and four days later. The next matured crop, which was cut at the beginning of lust month, was not si good, but it was sold standing, for £T per acre. Suitable implements were not available, and the owner paid-for all the work by hand, thereby enhancing the cost. The total'expenses from the time of commencing to prepare the ground to the second cut was £26 Is fid. Preparing the ground absorbed £fi 16s, liming and carting £9 13s. and seed £4 4s. Basing tlie value of the first cut (which he is keeping for his own use), on the price paid for the second cut, the farmer estimates the gross value at £35. In effect, within five months, all expenses had been met, with £9 to the good, and a stand of lucerne which promises to be something beyond the ordinary next spring, was established.