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The Growing of Gold.

Facts about Growing Alfalfa, the Practical
Gold Mine for the Farmer of today.

By J.F. SINN,
of the
A. A. BERRY SEED COMPANY.

Copyrighted 1913, ”
A.A; BERRY SEED CO.

Price 25 cents

Printed and Published by

A. A. BERRY SEED ean
CLARINDA, IOWA.

SB.205

Gontents.

Chapter Page

INTRODUCTION - - - 5
4 ALFALFA IN AMERICA - : 7
2 SELECTION OF LAND - - 12
3 INOCULATION and FERTILIZATION 145
4 SEEDING OF ALFALFA - =i ae
5 CARING OF ALFALFA . - 24
6 HARVESTING OF ALFALFA - 28
7 SCIENTIFIC FEED VALUE : 32
8 ALFALFA THE MONEY CROP 37
9 THE BEST ALFALFA SEED - 43
10 WHAT OTHERS SAY - - 46

ALFALFA FACTS WORTH REMEMBERING 54

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES : é 53

Powe

lArAam pn OrneOoN

—~

The Growing, of Gold:

INTRODUCTION.

HE purpose of writing this little booklet is
to set forth the facts on growing Alfalfa;
(( to give our friends a condensed and abbre-

viated reference book that will be useful
and helpful to every one who is interested in the up-
building of the farm, and getting greater profits
from it.

In writing this book, the writer has frequently re-
ferred to Bulletin No. 137 of lowa Agricultural Sta-
tion, and the best works that he could find on Alfal-
fa. lt has been the aim to give the most authentic
information on this subject that could be found and
we are sure our customers and friends will find it of
great assistance to them in getting the most out of
the crop.

There is an unlimited amount of wealth in the
growing of Alfalfa, so the writer has entitled this
booklet, “The Growing of Gold’. This name is
most fitting, as it is easy to grow gold by using plen-
ty of Alfalfa Seed. You should get our “Yellow as
Gold Seed”’, and sow it freely on your farm on a
well prepared seed bed, and then you will better ap-
preciate this book, and more fully understand “The
Growing of Gold.

The Growitne of po ba.

It is the earnest desire of the writer to impress -
upon every reader of this book the great import-
ance of growing Alfalfa and I hope that every farm-
er that has a farm will start at once “The Growing
of Gold’ or in other words “The Growing of Alfal-
fa’. Itis bound to bring joy and wealth to him the
same as it has to the many thousands of other farm-
ers who are no more favored than you.

There may be instances that you know of where
Alfalfa has been a failure, but this does not condemn
the plant in the least, and you should strive all the
harder to grow Alfalfa successfully. It can be grown
on your farm and the writer will feel that his efforts
have accomplished the purpose intended, if this book
is the means of influencing you to test it out your-
self and experience the great reward offered to all
who make a success of growing Alfalfa.

The Growing of Gold.

CHAPTER I.
ALFALFA IN AMERICA.

LFALFA is a new plant for America, gen-
erally speaking, put the plant itself is no
aN wise new, as it has been grown for more

than 2,000 years. Alfalfa was first grown
in Asia and from there it spread westward through-
out the entire of Europe where it has been growing
with the greatest of success for many centuries. It
was brought to South America by the Spaniards
and it gradually worked northward. Having been
grown for more than 200 years in Mexico before
introduced into the United States. We are indebted
to them for introducing it in the United States, as it
was first grown in California and then spread to
other western.states and has gradually worked east-
ward until it has penetrated every state to the At-
lantic.

Alfalfa was first grown in California in the early
50’s and was not grown in the great Alfalfa States;
of Kansas and Nebraska until late in the 70’s. You
can now hardly find a progressive farmer in these
states who is not growing more or Jess Alfalfa.
West of the Missouri River Alfalfa is recognized as
the best. paying crop that can be grown and has

7

The: Growin 2 Orv olds

turned much of the dry barren waste into a world
of wealth. What it has done for the Western farm-
er, it will do for the Eastern farmer. It is fast be-
coming the best paying crop that can be grown in
the east, especially by the dairy farmer. Alfalfa will
add untold wealth to the corn-belt farmer, who has
been constantly cropping the land with corn, taking
away the nitrogen and humus which alfalfa replaces.

It is hard to estimate the worth of Alfalfa, but it
is surely King of the forage plants and every farmer
Should be growing it. Henry Wallace says that ev-
ery farmer in lowa who has a quarter section, should
at least have 10 acres of Alfalfa. It is high time that
each and every farmer should recognize the value of
this wonderful grow.

Alfalfa has made great advancement in the United
States in the past fifty years, but it has only been
in the past few years that its full value has been real-
lized. Therefore alfalfa growing is in its infancy.
From now on alfalfa growing should make very
rapid progress, and the farmer who is slow about
starting to grow this plant is losing out on the best
money making crop that he could plant.

It is strange that a plant that has such sterling
worth as alfalfa is not grown more generally by all
farmers. Some writers have led the farmer to be-

8

a ct eer ee ee

Pe JEL Wi Th Sy Oud Gold...

lieve that alfalfa is hard to grow, and many think
they could not make a success of it. This is where
alfalfa unjustly got a great setback, for it is not diffi-
cult to grow. In fact it can be grown on nearly ev-
ery farm in nearly every state in the Union. In lowa
the Experimental Station shows that alfalfa is a much
surer crop than clover. Prof. Hughes of the lowa
State College reports that out of over 1000 reports
from farmers in lowa on growing alfalfa, there was
less than 13% failures, while on growing clover the
percent was much greater.

Alfalfa is a crop of wide adaptability and the
growing of it need not be confined to any particular
section. The fact that alfalfa is being grown success-
fully all over Asia and Europe and in a latitude as
far north as 68 degrees north latitude recommends it
as a very hardy plant. Alfalfa is now being grown
successfully in every state in the Union and you will
now find small fields here and there throughout the
Eastern states as well as the Northern and Southern.
Alfalfa is no longer a plant of the Western States.
We have customers all over the United States report-
ing the great success they have had with our seed.
So the writer does not hesitate about urging each
and every farmer to start growing it. It does not
take long fo test it out, and if you will properly pre-

_—

oe Growing of Gold.

pare the ground and use good hardy seed there is no
cause for failure.

When you stop to consider the worth Ot an acre
of alfalfa, you then can begin to realize the import-
ance of studying this plant and the reason you should
grow it. An acre of alfalfa is capable of producing
all the way from $25.00 to $100.00 depending upon
the season and conditions. In the corn belt it is ca-
pable of doubling the income of corn. Its value is
appreciated in the corn belt, for alfalfa and corn
make an ideal balanced ration, which the stock rais-
er cannot well afford to be without it. _

The high feed value of alfalfa will be taken up in
another chapter, one which will be of great interest
to you. Don’t overlook the value of alfalfa as a feed,
as there is no other forage plant that is equal to it.
It far excels clover and all other legumes, and not
only that, but it is a nitrogen gathering plant and is-
excellent for rebuilding the soil. It is truly said that
every acre seeded to alfalfa increased the value of the
land $100.00.

Wherever you find a farm that has several alfalfa
fields growing, you will usually find a nice set cf
farm buildings and a farm that is not for sale. The
owner realizes he has as good a paying proposition sa
he could wish for and is not anxious to part with a

10

one Growin, of <Gobkd..

sure thing. You will find that real estate values soon
increase when Alfalfa is grown. Alfalfa has brought
more wealth to the western states than their gold
mines, and all other mine included. It is called by
some writers the ‘Wonder Crop” and it is well en-
titled to this name as it is wonderful what wealth it
will bring. It is to be hoped that every farmer who
has a farm will start growing Alfalfa at once.

You can grow Alfalfa on your farm and there is
no reason why you should hesitate about starting. If
you do not start now, it will be safe to say you
will be growing it ten years from now. Why let ten
years of the best part of your life pass by before
starting on this road to wealth?

11

The .Gto0owins of (ord

CHAPTER II.
SELECTION OF LAND.

HE successful growing of Alfalfa depends

4 Be, quite largely on getting land adapted to

(BN || the plant. This does not mean that it is

hard to find land suitable for Alfalfa, as
on nearly every farm, certain portions or fields will
grow Alfalfa, some parts being much better adapted
to the plant than others. So it is well to be careful
in selecting your field and get the piece that will bring
you the best returns. On some farms, every acre
might be well suited to growing Alfalfa, but this is
not always the case.

When selecting your ground for Alfalfa growing,
see that you decide on a field that is well drained, and
that it has a porous sub-soil, and also try to select
fertile soil. Well drained soil does not mean some
high hill, but on the other hand, much better results
would be obtained from a good piece of bottom land
that is not wet and water does not stand near the sur-
face; or a good field of rolling land that is sufficient-
ly fertile. For best results, it might be weil to first
grow Cow Peas or some legume, preparatory to seed-
ing. Quite a number are now using Sweet Clover as
a preparatory crop, before growing Alfalfa. Often

12

re er Ow i ie Oly Olds.

it is practical to manure the ground with a good coat
of well rotted manure and by doing this, you are
bound to make a greater success and secure larger
returns. You cannot miss it by applying manure be-
fore seeding, as on nearly all soil, better results are
obtained.

If the land is quite fertile, good results can be ex-
pected by seeding without any special preparation.

It is necessary to bear in mind not to get sour or
wet land. If you are in doubt about your land con-
taining acid, it might be well to test it, which is a
very simple process. Secure some blue litmus paper
from the druggist and take a handful of moist soil
and work into a ball; place a strip of blue litmus in
the middle and allow it to remain a short time, on
removing, if the paper has changed to red, the soil is
decidedly acid, but if only slightly pink, the degree
of acid is notso marked. If you find your soil of an
acid nature, it requires lime. Acid condition of the
soil is corrected by. using lime, although a soil tonic,
it is not a direct fertilizer, as many suppose. All le-
gumes are benefited by proper liming and you can
usually increase results by using lime; the degree of
acidity of the soil serves as an indicatcr, for the
amount of lime needed. 1,000 to 3,000 lbs per acre
will be sufficient in most cases, but some of the

13

ThevQroe wil? ,oriwol a.

Eastern states may require larger amounts. Lime
may be applied with a manure spreader; or from
a wagon with shovel. A broadcast endgate seeder
may be used to advantage.

After you have decided on the field you intend to
use for Alfalfa, it then necessary to get it in proper
condition for seeding. The process necessary to fol-
low will depend quite largely on the crop preceding.
In many sections where fall seeding is desirable, it is
well to have Alfalfa follow a small grain crop, or
early potatoes leaves the ground in good condition
for seeding.

Spring seeding may follow most any crop, but it
would be well to follow some cultivated crop that has
freed the ground from weeds. One objection to
spring seeding in the humid section is the weed prop-
osition. It is well to secure a field as free of weeds
as possible, as better results will be obtained.

14

Pie T Ow. eof) Goad .

CHAPTER III.
INOCULATION AND FERTILZATION.

LL leguminous plants require inoculation to
‘A, insure the best growth. This, however,
| does not mean that it is always necessary

to inoculate before seeding, for in many
cases, the soil is already properly inoculated, so that
very Satisfactory results are obtained. Where Alfal-
fa or Sweet Clover has not been grown, it is impos-
sible to tell whether the soil is inoculated or not, so
on this account you are much surer of results by
first inoculating the soil before seeding. The expense
of inoculation is not great and the increased results
will many times pay for it. If there is no bacteria
in the soil, a failure undoubtedly would be the results,
while if the soil was only partially inoculated, the
Alfalfa would not do well and be sickly. On nearly
all soil, better results can be obtained by proper in-
oculating before seeding. It has been proven by
many experiments that inoculation is required for
best results, and it is not an expense to inoculate,
but an investment that will much more than pay for
itself the first season, in the way .of increased pro-
duction. . Besides each following year, you will be

15

The Grow? n oot mata

getting heavier crops, so it is to your interest to in-
oculate the soil and not take chances on seeding
without.

There are two methods of inoculation, one known
as the soil-transfer method and the other,—the pure
culture. The inoculation by soil-transfer method is
quite commonly practiced and is very satisfactory.
This method is very simple and is not difficult to
follow; although it is laborious and has one objection
which should not be forgotten. That is to get soil
which is free from noxious weeds, insect or plant
enemies, for you might introduce some pest on your
land which would be hard to exterminate.

In order to inoculate by the soil-transfer method, it
is necessary to secure soil from a good, healthy
Sweet Clover field or from the roadside where it
may be found growing, or from an Alfalfa field. It
requires about 200 to 300 pounds of soil to the acre,
which should be scattered over the field just before
seeding and after the soil is scattered it should be
immediately covered by harrowing, for the sun’s
rays will kill the bacteria germ if left exposed for
for any length of time. The soil if fine can be sowed
broadcast by hand, on with an end-gate seeder, or it
may be put on the ground with a manure spreader.

16

mice row ine oF God.

Another way which might be very practical is to
fasten a long narrow box on the front of the harrow,
with a slat bottom, leaving openings sufficiently
large so that the soil may scatter out, thus distrib-
uting the soil and harrowing it in at the same oper-
ation. The soil could also be put in the field with a
drill that has a fertilizer attachment. It is also sug-
gested that it would be a good plan to take small
portion of the soil and mix with the seed at time of
sowing, but this is not necessary if the soil has been
well distributed before seeding.

The pure-culture method is much more easily done
and is giving excellent results, and is recommended
both by the Department of Agriculture and the State
Agricultural Colleges. It has the advantage of pre-
venting the introduction of harmful weeds or pests
on the farm and is much more easily secured.

There are several ‘different places where the cul-
ture is manufactured, but the culture furnished by
the A. A. Berry Seed Co., is equal to the best and
the writer does not hesitate to recommend it to all
who need to inoculate. This is what the manufac-
turer says about our Nitrogen Culture: “The Culture
listed are guaranteed to be first class inevery respect.

17

The Growine of: Go ld.

They are prepared by an expert bacteriologist, who
follows accurately the formula set-forth by the Gov-
ernment; the purchaser is thus. aes of receiving
the best to. be had.

Full directions come with each package, giving full
instructions as to using it. The Culture is mixed
with water, according to directions given with it, and
the seed is moistened with the culture, so that each
seed is affected, but care should be taken so as not
to soak the seed. As soon as the seed is sufficiently
dry, it should be planted.

You should not wait any great length of time for
the nodule bacteria will soon die. Seed which is
treated should never be exposed to the rays of the
sun when drying and should be covered immediate-
ly after seeding.

We have already mentioned the importance of
manuring, but wish to emphasize the fact that that
you can get no greater returns from your manure
than applying it on your Alfalfa field. It is not
absolutely necessary to use manure, but a much
heavier crops may be expected and you are also as-
sured of being more successful in obtaining a stand.
So do not feel that you are wasting your time when
using manure preparatory to seeding. The richer the

18

‘WOOIKd OF SLUVLS LI WALAVY NOOS 100 aa GTOOHS VAIVATV

aise i

BRINGING IN BIG LOADS OF ALFALFA WITH THE BULL RAKE.

The Growing of Gold.

soil, the heavier is the yield. Richer soil increases
the growth the same as plenty of water. Itis true
that Alfalfa will withstand much drought, but the
heavy yields are secured when supplied with plenty
of moisture, either by nature or artificially.

19

Ther Growin? ot tioned.

CHAPTER IV.
SEEDING OF ALFALFA.

HE time of seeding Alfalfa must vary in
be different sections of the country, owing

( to the weather conditions and nature of

climate. Spring seeding has been proven
very successful throughout the corn belt and the
Eastern states, and we believe more seeding is done in
the spring than fall. In sections of heavy rainfall, it
is doubtful whether spring seeding is advisable on ac-
count of the weeds. So early fall seeding would be
preferable.

Alfalfa may be seeded in spring, with small grain
in the same manner as Clover. The seed bed should
be well prepared the previous fall or early in the
spring. When seeding with a nurse crop, use a grain
that may be removed early and the grain crop should
be reduced about a half so as not to smother out the
alfalfa. Better results can be expected from spring
seeding, by using a very light nurse crop and seeding
about the last of April and then remove the nurse
crop for hay in June. This keeps the weeds down
and the Alfalfa should be up nicely, so that after
the nurse crop is removed, it should have a start of
the weeds.

20

PiVve Or ow pmo of Gold,

Splendid results are obtained from spring seeding,
by sowing without a nurse crop. If this method is to
be followed, it is well to plow the ground in the fall
or early in the spring and cultivate the ground from
time to time, so that much of the weed seed will be
destroyed before seeding. About May first, the Alfal-
fa should be sown and as it is then warm, the Alfal-
fa will soon start and if there is not too much rain,
the Alfalfa should get a start of the weeds.

In the corn belt, seeding in this manner has given
excellent results; especially of dry years. When Clo-
ver has been a complete failure on account of drou-
ght, Alfalfa has done well and made a most excel-
lent stand.

When fall seeding is practiced, it usually follows
a small grain crop. It is very important that the
ground be plowed at once after the grain is cut and
then harrowed until a perfect seed bed has been se-
cured. It is best to plow shallow as a more compact
seed bed will result. We find that double discing the
stubble is proving very satisfactory. When the
ground is dry discing might be easier done and more
satisfactory as a good seed bed can be secured. The
proper time for fall seeding is the latter part of Au-
gust or the first part of September. It is well to sow
as early in the fall as possible, so that the plant may

21

The GT ow ie 04. roid.

become well rooted before freezing weather. There
is danger of winter killing if sowed too late.

Experiments have proven that it isa little surer to
summer fallow the ground and sow the last of July
or the first of August, but this causes the loss of
acrop one year and the writer does not advise
following this method, on this account. Good re-
sults may be expected by seeding either in the spring
or in the fall, after harvesting grain, if no time is lost
in getting the ground ready. It is essential to put
much work on the land and get as good a seed bed
as it is possible to obtain.

The amount of seed required per acre varies some-
what and you will find different amounts recom-
mended. It is not necessary to sow more than 15 lbs.
of our World Brand Alfalfa, as this makes a heavy
seeding, and a less amount may be sufficient. If you
have seed of low germination, it would require more
but itis policy to get the best when seeding Alfalfa.

Good results can be expected by either sowing
broadcast by hand, or by using a hand seeder. The
Cyclone hand seeder can be recommended as a
splendid broadcast hand seeder for sowing all kinds
of grass seed. After sowing, harrow, so as to cover
the seed; or the seed may be drilled if the ground is
even and the seed can be covered so as not to put

22

Pe Ono w bine, (Or Gor a.

part in too deep. The seed should be covered about
one-half inch—not over an inch. When the seed is
covered too deep the plant will be spindling and sick-
ly and not nearly so vigorous as it would be if but
lightly covered.

Alfalfa germinates very quickly and if sowed prop-
erly, in a well prepared seed bed, it will all be up in
a weeks time; providing there is sufficient moisture
and weather is warm. You will be surprised at the
rapid growth it makes and often times early fall
seeding will get a foot high before frost.

23

Tie Or ow me 009 Oe Olds

CHAPTER V.
CARING OF ALFALFA.

TAT HEN Alfalfa is seeded in the spring without
VA a nurse crop, it is well to go over the field
MI several times during the summer, clipping

the weeds, so that they do not smother
the young plants. The clipping of the Alfalfa stim-
ulates the growth of the plant. As arule, you can-
not expect much of a crop the first season, although
early seeding on arich field producing a rapid growth,
might be cut for hay the last of August. It is best
to leave a large growth on the ground as a cover
during winter. The crop on the ground will hold
the snow and there is much less danger of winter
killing than when the ground is bare.

Fall seeding requires no special attention the first
fall, as the entire growth should be left as a cover
crop. The following year the crop should yield three
to four cuttings. The first crop should be ready to
cut about the middle of June and when cutting it
should not be mowed to low.

The disk is resorted to by many to thicken and
even a stand of Alfalfa. It is well to use a disk after
the first year, provided conditions are favorable, but
care should be exercised to prevent harm. Where

24

ThHhe-Growing of |} Gold.

a stand is thin, the weeds if not eradicated will soon
destroy the Alfalfa.

The report on cultivating Alfalfa, by Prof. Hughes
is no doubt one of the best methods of handling:
“The ordinary disk has no doubt been used more
generally for this purpose than any other implement,
but it is not nearly so good asa spring-tooth harrow
or the Alfalfa renovator. While independent plants
sometime develop from portions of the crown of the
Alfalfa, which are cut off by the disk, this hardly
happens enough to be of great value in thickening
the stand, while the plant may be injured by pre-
senting a favorable opening for fungus diseases.
Whether benefit is derived from cultivation with the
disk, is due to other factors than an increased num-
ber of plants.

The spring tooth harrow constructed of stiff
springs, ended in small shovels, which are in con-
tinual vibration as they pass through the soil, is very
effective in removing the weeds and grass, without
in any way injuring the alfalfa plants, as the weeds
and grass are shallow rooted and easily pulled up.
Alfalfa roots penetrate many feet in the soil and
when the narrow shovel of the spring-tooth harrow
comes in contact with them, it springs far enough
to one side to pass the plant without injuring it.

25

The ‘Growin 2 cop@old

Sometimes the desired results are not secured from
cultivation, because the work is not thorough enough.
Many times the man doing the work is afraid of in-
juring the Alfalfa. We have cultivated Alfalfa until
it seemed that no living plant could remain, and un-
til the field appeared to be a perfectly prepared seed
bed, yet the old crowns threw up new shoots and
before frost the Alfalfa stood 14 inches high, 4 inch-
es higher than other Alfalfa in the same field, which
had not been cultivated. This increased vigor was
due in part to the fact that where the Alfalfa was
not cultivated the grass was crowding it badly, while
on the cultivated portion no weeds were to be seen.
Ordinarily we would not recommend so severe treat-
ment as this, but we do wish to impress the necessi-
ty of thorough cultivation”.

In the corn belt, blue grass is liable to be found
troublesome in the Alfalfa field, and this can be suc-
cessfully overcome by thorough cultivation, as above
described.

Some Alfalfa fields after the first year seem to be
sickly and die out. This may be due to various caus-
es, but if the land is properly inoculated, the cause
may be due to lack of lime or fertility. Much bene-
fit may be derived from top dressing the Alfalfa field
with a good dressing of well rotted manure that con-

26

ine Low pee <0 fa. bade.

tains no weed or grass seed. \’sually manuring the
fields help the growth and secures greater yields of
hay.

The life of an Alfalfa field depends quite largely
on how well the plant succeeds. Alfalfa is a peren-
nial plant and some fields have been known to exist
fifty years, but as a rule it is advisable to rotate
crops and as Alfalfa is a splendid fertilizer, it is well
to change the field as soon as better results might be
expected, by plowing up and planting to some other
crop. It is well tohave some other field of Alfalfa
coming on, as no one can well afford to be without
thecrop. After growing it successfully, it requires
no urg ng to have reseeding done. Every successful
Alfalfa grower is very enthusiastic and some become

“Alfalfa cranks’’, so to speak.

27

Tive Growin ot Gad.

CHAPTER VI.
HARVESTING OF ALFALFA.

7 F all the various points to study in the

(Ss growing of Alfalfa, none is of more im-

/) portance than the cutting and curing of

the hay. Upon the proper execution of

these two things, depends largely the value which
may be obtained from your alfalfa field.

The general rule is to cut Alfalfa just asit is com-
ing into bloom. Feeding experiments show that the
feeding value is the highest when it is cut at the
time it begins to bloom. It is well to cut alfalfa
when you notice the basal shoots starting which are
to form the growth of the newcrop. By cutting at
this time, the new crop starts immediately. So no
time is lostand larger yields are secured. If dry
weather has prevented the basal shoots from starting,
cutting should be not delayed so as to lose the value
of the hay.

Alfalfa hay should be gotten up without rain, if
possible, for the rain turns it black and much of the
feeding value is lost. In the West where there is lit-
tle rain fall during harvest time, there is not much
difficulty experienced in getting the hay up without
rain. There, they often start mowing in in the morn-

+ 28

fhe Growing. of (Poa,

Si

ing, and can put the hay in. windrows in the after-
noon and the following day commence stacking. In
the humid zone more difficulties are encountered,
and it is often hard to get the first cutting up without
suffering some loss on account of rain.

The quicker the crop can be cured and the less
handling it receives, the better the quality of hay.
The leaves shatter very easily when wet and as the
greatest percent of nourishment is in the leaves of
Alfalfa hay, so the least possible loss of them should
be avoided. It is well to put Alfalfa in the windrow
just as soon as it become well wilted or about half-
cured and either allow it to finish curing in the
windrow or in the cock.

Alfalfa hay can be stacked much damper than is
supposed, without risk of spoiling in the Stacks, tit
may turn black if stacked too green, but it is better
to put in stack a little too green than to have it suf-
fer on account of rain, as it will contain greater feed
value. When the side-delivery rakes are used, it is
much easier to cure Alfalfa. it can be put in small
windrows soon as it is well wilted and as soon as
sufficiently dry, it may be bunched and hauled to
the barn.

It is much better to put Alfalfa hay under cover.
lf there is not sufficient barn room and and it is

29

Tae Crow i 2 Ot Gold.

necessary to stack, care should be used in stacking
and the top of the stack should be covered with slough
hay or with some crop that will shed water. , Alfal-
fa hay is too valuable to lose any by careless hand-
ling and the entire crop should be preserved with the
least possible loss.

Alfalfa does not have as great a value as a pasture
crop as it does as a hay crop, although it is used
with great success for pasturing all kinds of stock.
An Alfalfa field should not be pastured the first. year
and at no time should not be pastured too closely. It
ismuch better to have the field under-stocked than
over-stocked.

There is some danger in pasturing sheep and cattle
on Alfalfa, as it is liable to cause bloat. This danger
is much increased when pasturing young alfalfa or
alfalfa on moist soil which makes a rapid growth.
Animals should not be turned on Alfalfa when wet or
the stock is very hungry. With sheep and cattle the
Alfalfa should be well advanced towards blooming.

Alfaifa makes excellent pasture for hogs, and no
hog raiser should be without it. Best results might
be obtained when pasturing hogs by having the field
divided, allowing one fleld to be pastured off while
the other was making new growth. By changing
from one field to the other, the Alfalfa will do much

He)

She Growing of Gold,

better and the production will be greatly increased.

Alfalfa seeds in paying quantities only, when there
is a Shortage of moisture. Alfalfa Seed is produced
quite generally throughout most of the Western
states, but in the rain belt there is no seed crop except
of a dry year. As arule the second crop is cut for
seed, but in some sections the third crop is saved in
preference. When allowed to seed, the Alfalfa should
be cut when about three-fourths of the pods have
turned brown. The crop may be harvested in the
Same manner as Clover or a self-binder may be
used to advantage Alfalfa can be threshed with an
ordinary grain thresher, but a huller will do much
better work. The yields run from 2 to 6 bushels of
seed per acre and instances of 10 and 12 bushels per
acre have been reported.

31

Tine Growing OF GO a':

CHAPTER Vil;
SCIENTIFIC (PEED VALUE,

OU will find Alfalfa recognized as the
King of forage plants, as there is no
question about its great feeding value.
The value of Alfalfa as a feed is well

handled by Bulletin No. 137, issued by the lowa Ag-

ricultural Experiment Station and is herewith given
in full: “Alfalfa has a great feeding value, either as

hay or pasture. It has a relative high content of di-

gestable protein.

All crops other than the legumes contain a relative-
ly high per cent of carbonhydrates and a relatively
low per cent of protein—the stuff feeders are forced
to buy as concentrates to balance rations. Alfalfa,
on the contrary, has a relatively high per cent of
protein and is easily digested, qualities that cannot
be over-estimated.

TABLE IV.
The average composition of Alfalfa compared with other crops.
Nitrogen
Crop Water Ash Crude Crude Free Fat

Protein Fiber Extract

Alfalfa Sa 8.8 14.6 28.9 37.4 21
Red Clover 15.3 62 12.3 24.8 38.1 3.3
Timothy 13.2 4.4 5.9 29.0 45.0 2.5
Corn 10.6 15 10.3 22 70.4 5.0
Oats 10.4 a 11.4 10.8 59.4 4.8
Corn Stover 40.5 | 3.4 3.8 19.7 31.5 1.1]
Oat Straw O23) Bel 4.0 37.0 | 48.4 { a3

Pome Oro were: Of ord:

Alfalfa hay is especially valuable to the dairyman,
though it is also known to give excellent results with
all classes of live stock. It is expecially valuable
where a rapid development of muscle and bone is
essential, as with brood sows, young pigs and steers.

, TABLE V.
The Food Value per Average Acre and Other Crops Based on
the Average Composition and the Average Yield for
the State for 1909 and 1910.

Nitrgen
Crude Crude Free

Crop Ash Protein -Fiber Extract Fat
Alfalfa 488 88 1600 2070 116
Red Clover * 155 307 520 950 82
Timothy * 110 147 722 112 62
Corn Total 102 293 456 2119 127
Grain 31 215 458 1464 104
Stover 7 79 411 655 23
Oats Total 135 195 852 1450 04
Grain 32 114 109 598 48

Stover 102 80 743 852 46
* Assuming yield to be that given for ‘*‘Tame Hay”’.

Considering the average yield of various crops for
those years in which Alfalfa data are.available in
lowa, Alfalfa produced 5.5 times as much _ protein
per acre as Timothy, 4 times as much as Oats, 2.75
times as much as Corn, and 2.6 times as much as
Red Clover.

As a pasture for hogs the animal husbandry sec-
tion of the lowa Agricultural Experiment Station re-

33

The: Growing:of 1@o01d.

ports a net profit of $184.92 per acre from Alfalfa,
the hogs selling at 6 cents and the corn fed costing
49 cents for 56 Ibs. of grain on the cob. And this
when an acre of blue grass handled in the same way
gave aprofit of but $97.23.

TABLE VI,

Showing the Average Per Cent Digestibility of Alfalfa as Com-
pared with Other Crops.

Nitrogen

Crop Dry Protein Crude Free Extract
Matter Fiber Fat
Alfalfa 62 72 47 72 43
Red Clover 57 58 54 64 55
Timothy 55 48 50 2 50
Corn 91 76 58 93 86
Oats 70 77 31 77 89
Corn Stover 57 36 64 59 67
Oat Straw 48 33 54 46 36

The table on the actual feeding value of Alfalfa in
the Government Bulletin will be of interest and is
worth your study, and is given as contained in Farm-
er’s Bulletin 339.

“The following table indicates the actual feeding
value of eight different kinds of feed, based on the
amount of digestible nutrients contained in them.
These values are calculated from the figures given in

the table just preceding. The value per pound as-
signed as the basis of calculation are protein, $0.0674

carbohydrates (starches, etc.) $0.0064; ether extract

34

AN ENORMOUS CROP OF ALFALFA BEING HARVESTED BY

‘KVH VAIIVEI1V JO GdVHS AHL NI GION dl ONITId

The Growing of Gold.

(fat), 80.0112. These figures are merely relative, as
the prices of the food elements vary in the different
section and from year to year. It will be noted that
the value of alfalfa hay is slightly more than double
that of timothy”’.

Actual Beene Value of Different Feeds Based on Amounts of
Dizestable Nutrients.

if: Feed Value Feed Value
Per ton Per ten

Fresh Alfalfa | $7.00 Timothy Hay $ 9.80

Fresh Clover | 5,96 Cow Pea Hay 19.76

Alfalfa Hay 20.16 Wheat Bran 22.80
Clover Hay 14.12 Shelled Corn i 20.16

We are giving a table figured on estimated yields
per acre and the actual test of protein in each kind
of plant and its comparative values perton. We
have taken as our basis, Timothy hay at $5.00 per
ton and have estimated the yield on Alfalfa at 5 tons
per acre, which is conservative.

Per Cent Pounds Pounds Value Per

Kind - Yield Protein Protein Protein A. based
perA. Hay Per ton Per A. pal se

Alialfa 5 ton 14.6 292. 1460 $61.86
Red Ciover 2% *‘ 12.3 246. 615 26.06
Timothy Pion 5.9 | 118, 236 10.00
Oat Straw 1%“ 4.0 8U. 120 5.09

This table Speaks volumes and shows the great
value of Alfalfa hay as a protein crop. Protein feeds

30

The Qrowin © orem.

are the ones sought after by the dairyman, cattle
raisers and growers of stock. Proteins come high
when it is necessary to purchase them in concentrate
feeds such as chop, bran oilmeal tankage, etc.

Don’t fail to study these tables and see for your-

self the great value of Alfalfa as a feed. There is no
plant that will make you more money than growing

Alfalfa for feeding purposes. It cannot be surpassed
and isa great money maker.

Tie. Grow tne ot Gord.

CHAPTER VII.
ALFALFA THE MONEY CROP.

UCH has been written on the value of Al-
rt falfa, but as yet the great value of this
KY plant has not been realized by the aver-

age farmer. Alfalfa growing is just in its
infancy and greater profits are to be realized from
this plant from now on than ever before. Alfalfa will
be a much more profitable crop for the Eastern farmer
than it has ever been for the Western farmer, as the
market is near at hand and the entire crop can be
turned into profit without paying long freight hauls
and various other expenses.

Every dairyman should be a large grower of Al-
falfa hay as he can not afford to be without it. There
is no crop that will bring larger returns for him and
there is no feed that will do so much good as Alfal-
fa hay. The Government Bulletin reports: “experi-
ments made by the Tennessee Agricultural Experi-
mental Station in regard to the replacing of grain
with Alfalfa in ration for dairy cows indicated that
44 pounds of Alfalfa will replace 1 pound of wheat
bran. The test showed with Alfalfa hay at $10.00
a ton and wheat bran at $20.00 the saving effected

37

hive: G6 reaver @. Or ae ds

by substituting alfalfa for wheat bran is $2.80 for
every 100 pounds of butter and 20 cents for every
100 pounds of milk”. When acrop can be grown
successfully that will produce such a saving in feed,
how can a successful dairyman be without it?

Alfalfa is just as valuable to the stock grower as
it is to the dairyman and it behoves the farmer who
has been constantly growing corn to rotate the land
and start growing Alfalfa. Much larger results may
be expected from an acre of Alfalfa than an acre of
corn asa money crop, besides the great advantage of
building up the land and increasing it value rather
than depleting the soil and lowering its value as
with constant corn growing.

The Government Bulletin reports: ‘“The Utah Agri-
cultural Experiment Station conducted an experi-
ment extending over a period of five years to deter-
mine the quantity of beef produced to the acre from
Alfalfa hay cut in the different stages of maturity. It
was found that hay cut when in full bloom produced
562 pounds of beef annualy to the acre, while that
cut in early bloom produced 706 pounds. The hay
that was not cut until half the blooms had fallen
produced only 490 pounds of beef to the acre. At
the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station 2.44
_..pounds of beef was:produced daily ona full ration

38

The Growing of Gold.

of corn and alfalfa, while only 1.48 pounds were
produced by a ration of corn and prairie hay.

These experiments are convincing proof of the value
of Alfalfa hay to the cattle feeder and there is no
crop that works so well with corn as alfalfa. Alfal-
fa hay supplies the protein that is so much needed in
the corn belt and it can be grown so much cheaper
thanit can be secured any other way. It is essential
to study economic conditions and produce beef as
cheaply as it can possibly be produced, if you wish
to make money in the growing and fattening of
cattle.

The value of Alfalfa as a hog feed cannot be over
estimated and should be considered by every hog
grower. The greatest value no doubt is secured
from the pasture although alfalfa hay makes excel-
lent feed during the winter months. It is relished
very much and is excellent for brood sows, as they.
enter the spring farrowing season in much better
condition. The value of alfalfa as a hog feed is
given in the government Bulletin as follows: “At the
the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station it has
been shown that an acre of Alfalfa produced 776
pounds of pork during the season. This calculation
was inade by deducting the probable grain due to

the small ration of grain fed in connection with the

89

T ie 3 1 Ow eae co 1 ae

pasturage. In another experiment it was shown
that for every bushel of Kaffir Corn meal and 7.83
pounds of Alfalfa hay the hogs made a gain of 10.88
pounds. When the Alfalfa was withheld from the
ration the gain was only 7.48 pounds for each bush-
el of grain fed.

Alfalfa is a feed that is good not only for cattle
and hogs, but it is equally as valuable for sheep
horses, or the poultry. It is a crop that is in demand
on every farm by all kinds of stock.

After reading the reports given on Alfalfa, it would
seem that it would take no urging to have every
farmer sowing Alfalfa, but such is not the case.
Farmers are a good deal like sheep in this respect,
and it is hard to get one to take the lead, but after
one starts and makes a success the balance will soon
follow. There are now progressive farmers in near-
ly every neighborhood who are starting the growing
of Alfalfa and in a few years the entire neighbor-
hood will be growing it. Why not be the first one
to start growing Alfalfa in your section if it has not
been grown? Youcould do your country and neigh
bor no greater service and at the same time you
would be adding great value to your farm.

The growing of Alfalfa is certainly “The Grow-
ing of Gold”, as it brings a threefold income. When

40

toe UO POWwime of: Gold.

you seed your field to Alfalfa, you are planting a
crop that will in all probabilities bring you a larger
net income than you could expect to realize from
any other crop. It is not uncommon to get a yield
of from 4 to 6 tons of hay per acre, valued from
$10.00 to $20.00 per ton. We have many custo-
mers who have reported that the crop from one year
was over $100.00 per acre. While you are growing
a crop that is bringing you from $50.00 to $100.00
per acre, you are also adding much wealth to your
farm. Alfalfa is a great fertilizer and when you stop
growing it and wish to grow some other crop your
land has increased in fertility until it is much more
valuable. You have also added value to your farm,
as real estate value increase wherever Alfalfa grows.
The United States Department of Agriculture says:
“In addition to the hay and seed crop, Alfalfa adds
$100.00 to the value of every acre on which it grows.”
If you want to sell your farm, seed it to Alfalfa and
and you will have no difficulty and the longer you
wait before selling the more you will realize. Many
farms have doubled in value by making no other im-
provements than growing Alfalfa. The value of Al-
falfa is appreciated in ail sections and no matter
where located, you can add great wealth to your farm
by using Alfalfa Seed.

44

The: OTrowin gs ore io pe

Don’t think because you have not grown Alfalfa
that you cannot grow it successfully. Be willing to
give it a fair trial for you can make a success of it
just the same as thousands and thousands of other
farmers. It is stated by good authority that Alfalfa
will grow on 99% of the farms in the United States,
so we know of no crop that can be grown in all sec-
tions so successfully. Read this book carefully and
by using judgment, there is little chance of you fail-
ing to make a success. Correspondence is always
welcomed by the A. A. Berry Seed Co., and if you
have any particular questions to ask or desire special
information, be free to write us and it will afford us
pleasure in helping you along to greater success in
the growing of Alfalfa.

en Se ee

ae ees ee

ey

“The Growing of Gold.

CHXPTER IX.
tee bes) ALR Ara S rE

HE importance of good seed, is a subject

wR that should have the careful thought and

(Gi consideration of every person who con-

templates seeding alfalfa. There is a vast

difference in the seed offered, and as results depend

quite largely on the seed used it is necessary to use
care and precaution in securing seed.

It has been proven by different experiments that
Northern grown seed is more hardy than Southern
stock and it is not advisable to get seed too far
South. We have found that non-lrrigated, Nebraska
grown seed is unusually hardy and is giving the
most satisfactory results of any seed we have hand-
led and the writer does not hesitate to recommend it
for all sections. Wehave many customers thruout
South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Eastern
states, who are using this seed and find it extremely
hardy and giving excellent results. The Montana
seed is considered good if it is true to name, but it
has been found that much of the so-called Montana
seed offered by the large wholesale seed companies
and handled by retail merchants, is not grown in

Montana and:is not what it should be... This is also

43

He CLOW Ss Or eld:

true of the Grimm Alfalfa and some unscrupulous
dealers are selling Grimm Alfalfa, simply because
there is a call forit anda fancy price can be secured.
As yet, the true Grimm Alfalfa is only offered in a
limited way, as the price is prohibitive for the pure
stock. Excellent results can be obtained without us-
ing the Grimm Alfalfa and it is not advisable to try
to secure it until later, when the seed is plentiful and
prices more reasonable.

The Turkestan Alfalfa is demanded by many of
the Northern growers and by Western customers,
who are located in a high altitude. The pure North-
ern Turkestan seed comes from a semi-arid region
and is recommended very highly for the non-irrigat-
ed portion of the West and for high altitudes. It is
very hardy and is proving an excellent variety, but
it is not considered quite equal to the common
American Alfalfa, for the humid section.

Foreign Alfalfa seed is being offered in the United
States, very freely, by all large wholesale seed com-
panies, who import many car loads, as the price is
about $3.00 per cwt. less than domestic seed. This
seed is sold to consumer by the local dealer, who
handles seed, so it is to your interest to be careful
about buying your seed. In most cases you will be
surer..of getting high grade seed by sending to a good

44

The Growing of Gold.

reliable mail order house, who builds up its business
on the quality of seed supplied.

The A. A. Berry Seed Co., takes great pride in be-
ing able to offer their customers the very best Alfalfa
seed at right prices, and anyone who needs seed can
depend on the quality being as represented. We buy
our Alfalfa seed direct from the grower and can sup-
ply seed which is true to name and on which you
can absolutely depend. We deal extensively in alfalfa
and are in position to furnish the best grade of seed
at a lower price than is asked by many competitors
for inferior seed. Our World Brand Alfalfa is the
grade to buy and you cannot make a mistake in buy-
ing your seed if you can secure this grade. It is sold
subject to either State or Government test and there
is no seed that will give better results. Don’t use
poor seed at any price, and on the other hand, don’t
pay anexorbitant price for seed that does not test so
well as our World Brand. Always compare our
prices and samples before buying.

45

The Growing of Gold.

CHAPTER X.
WrAt OTHERS Sex.

iN concluding this little booklet, we are going
to give some practical letters received from
different customers who have made a suc-
cess of growing alfalfa. These letters
should be helpful to our readers, as it should give
them more courage and the utmost faith in the Al-
falfa crop. What is being done by others, can be
done by you, if you apply the same energy and work
for the same results.

A Nebraska Customer Gives His Method.
Dorchester, Neb., June 13, 1913.

Centlemen—

Iam pleased to give you the results of the “World
Brand” Alfalfa Seed which I bought of you last year. Having
several different pieces of Alfalfa, but thesoil is nearly the
same, so [tried 15 acres which had been in oats and harvested
in 1912. -On August 5, 1912, this aforesaid 15 acres was plowed 4
inches deed and harrowed. About August 20 to 22, 1912 we used
the disk thoroughly and harrowed it again, and used the seed
drill for seeding, using only eleven pounds of seed per acre.

I have just finisht d cutiing aforesaid 15 acres of Alfalfa, am
frank to say, that it is the nicest and heaviest crop I have seen,
getting more thanone tun of hay per acre at first cutting. Ido
not have worn out land, but my opinion is to prepare the land
for Alfalfa the same as prepared for garden: using the seed driil
and sowing the best seed obtainable. “The best is always the
cheapest.’? Ihave been one of your customers for a good many
years, in buyinz all kinds of Grass Seed, Wheat and Potatoes,
and have found out, that [have no reason to Jook for a better
seed Company. I believe your satisfied customers are your best
recommendation and advertisement. Yours truly,

E. C SEMLER.

46

the Growing of Gold.

Letter from a Practical Grower in South Dakota.
Aberdeen, South Dakota, June 14, 1913.
Gentlemen:

In reply to yours of June 10th will state that I have
at present thirty acres of alfalfa. Seven acres I sowed seven -
years ago this spring, eight acres six years ago this spring and
fifteen acres a year ago this spring. Would advise plowing the
land as early in the fall as convenient, cultivating the same
so as not to allow any weeds to seed, and also making it as even
as possible. In the spring I would disk it and drag it untiljust
after corn planting, then I would seed it with either broadcast
or by drilling, using from six to ten pounds of seed peracre. I
have broadcasted mine using ten pounds. This year I seeded
fifty-five acres: forty acres about nine pounds to the acre and
fifteen acres ten pounds to the acre. If the }and is properly pre-
pared there is no trouble about growing Alfalfa in this section.

Yours very truly
ISAAC LINCOLN

This Party Increases His Acreage.
Kalona Iowa, June 17, 1913.
Dear Sir:
The Alfalfa seed I gotof you last spring grewfine. I

would like for you to send me samples and prices on some more

seed of the very best grade of Alfalfa as I am going to sow some
this fall. Yours truly,
HENRY BURKLEY,

Good Success in Montgomery County.
Red Oak, Iowa June 20, 1913
Dear Sirs:

Jn reply to your letter inquiring about what success I
had with the Alfalfa Seed I got of you last fall. The seed was
good as I ever seen. and I got a good stand. I plowed my ground
about 6inches deep. and disked and harrowed several times till
I got it in good condition, then sowed the seed and run a plank
overittwice, | ie ra. e SMITH.

- Minnesota Cantomcr Reports our Seed Proves Best. _
I Morgan, Minn. July 5, 1913. -
Gentlemen:
What is your prices on Alsike Clover and. Aisike: and
Timothy Mixed, such seed a's wo got lostspring. The Alfalfa we

47

eG owt na Oh ao ay

got from you Is surely fine if it will only stand the winter. We
bought seed, that is Alfalfa seed, from Kansas, Montana, North
Dakota, Minnesota and Your House, but your seed was the best
and cleanest. Wehad seed tested ut the Minnesota Experi-
ment Station. C. B. HUSCHKE.

Alfalfa Did Fine in Illinois.

Sheffield, Il]. June 12, 1913.
Dear Sirs:

Yours of recent date received and would say I hada
splendid stand of Alfalfa from the seed I boughtfrom your firm.
I plowed two acres of oatstubble ground in August and hauled
four 60 bushel loads of sweet clover soil on them disked and har-
rowed, sowed the seed and harrowed several times. Wehada

good rain the next day and the Alfalfa came up splendidly.

Yours truly,
EDWARD HARVEY.

AWery Practical Letter, From an Iowa Grower.

Massena Iuwa, June 20, 1913.
Gentlemen:

Your request for my experience in raising Alfalfa at
hand, I am pleased to state that Ihave had very good success
indeed, much better than I hoped to have. I have been growing
it for the last five years and have purchased all my seed of you
and I have never failed to get a fine stand. I sowin August
not later than the 15th or 20th on ground from which I have
taken a crop of winter wheat. I double disk the ground as soon
as I can get the wheat off then plow, I double disk again and
harrow, then sow broadcast from 15 to 20 pounds of seed per acre
and harrow once. I have never used any commercial inucula-
tion of any kind, I try to cover all the ground I intend to sow
with manure from the sheds which is hauled on my winter
wheat in the winter and early spring.

After the first year I qut from three to four times a year owing
to the season. I now have about 75 head hogs running on a six
acre field of it, and I consider it the best hog pasture there Is.
I cut » fair ciop off this field about the first of June and ib
standd about a feat high now. I find it much easier to cure than
clovey ang it makes the finest hay inthe world, I gant under
atandg avy fayoder in south tw Won’t gxcw it, aa

48

The Growing: of Gold.

itis easily grown and will stand the dry weather better than al-
most any other grass.

Please send me samples and prices on seed as lL expect to sow
some this fall again. Very truly,

E. E. GRIMES.

Different Method Followed by This Party.
Elbon, South Dakota, June 15, 1913.
Gentlemen: ‘

In sowing Alfalfa, my preference is for ground culti-
vated the previous year to potatoes or corn, which I disk in ear-
ly spring and seed about May Ist after another disking about 6
pounds per acre, and harrow lightly, But have had good suc-
cess with spring plowing when followed by rains to settle the
ground. Ondry upland we have had good success drilling in
rows 3 feet apart, about 2 pounds of seed per acre and give it an
occasional cultivation. This is mostly for the purpose of raising
seed, but often get a first cutting for hay.

BE. A. MORRISON.

Alfalfa Shipped Better Than Sample.

Laport Ind., April 14, 1913
Gentlemen:

If the Alfalfa Seed whichI bought from you had not
tested up to your agreement you certainly would have received
a vigorous kick from me and the seed back but as it tested much
better than the sample which you sent T think it only fair to ad-
vise you. Therefore, I am enclosing, herewith, the copies re-
ceived by me from the State Agriculiural College showing the
test made of the sample before buying and also of the seed re-
ceived. You will see that theseed that you shipped me was
much better than the sample sent before buying. The sample
you sent before buying contained 98.55 of pure seed while the
seed you shipped after buying contained 99.6 for which I thank
you. Cordially yours, .

DAVID. H. REEDER.

Saved Money by Purchasing Seed From Us.
Braymer, Mo. April 24, 1018
Dear Sir:

Lreceived your ehipment of 20 Ibs of Alfalfa and 144 bus:
of Alsike and Timothy mixed and I want to say that it is the
finest gnd cleanse see I ever saw: 7 deved tion three to four

@ol soniling % your firm. a
; SiC eee ROYSELL ROBERTS.

49

oP he Or Wh Oe Ona

Prof. Holden Urges Every Farmer to Grow Alfalfa

Mr. Holden says “Alfalfa is destined to revolutionize agri-
culturein the United States. Itisnot difficult togrow. Itis
today grown on the borders of the civilization in the far Canadi-
an north; it isgrown in the southern tropics and from far east
to west around the world. It will readily adapt itself to almost
any character of soil or climatic condition. In the western
states, alfalfa is successfully grown On mountain ranges in
Montana and Colorado, nearly eight thousand feet above sea
level. Itis true that alfalfa will become a general farm crop in
the United Statesin time. It will drift in by gravity.

“Twenty years from now, every one will wonder how we got
along without alfalfa and why wedid not recognize its great
value sooner. ;

““Many of the attempts in the past to grow alfalfa have fail-
ed, but, with our present knowledge of the requirements of the
crop, there will be little, if any more trouble in securing a stand
of alfalfa than ofclover. Alfalfacan be grown on your farm.
Alfalfa is the cheapest source of protein. When wheat bran is
worth $22.00 per ton, good alfalfa hay is worth from $20.00 to $22.00
per ton. .

“Alfalfa isthe most enriching crop we have, and ensures
larger yields tothe other cropsthatfollow. Alfalfa adds humus

to the soil. resists drought better than any other crop.

Others Now Becoming Interested In Alfalfa

Jefferson, Ohio. June, 16, 1913
Dear Sir:

Some years ago I got some Alfalfa seed from you which
was very satisfactory and am planning to sow a couple of acres
and would like to kuow your prices on good seed at least three
pecks. Please let me know as soon as possible, there is probably
others who will send to you through me.

M. SEIBOLD. JEFFERSON
Bee Aas eae to Sample, Well Pleased
Holland, Mich. April, 8 1913 |
Dear. Sirs.
Gig K have now received the seed in good conditon and are.

very well pleased with it as we find the seed as good as the same

ple you sent me ia sean very respecfully,
ned ; BERT VAN KAMPEN.

50

Alfalfa Facts Worth Remembering.

Grow Gold on your farm.

Alfalfa is King of forage crops.

Don’t Sow poor or weedy seed.

Alfalfa is ideal feed for dairying.

Alfalfa makes an ideal soiling plant.

Select fertile land that is well drained.

Alfalfa is one of the best of soil builders.

Alfalfa is a surer crop in lowa than Clover.

Don’t give up if your first attempt is a failure.

Use precaution when starting to pasture Alfalfa.

Early Potatoes is a splendid crop to precede Alfalfa.

Alfalfa hay cannot be excelled for all kinds of stock.

Alfalfa is the forage crop to grow for largest returns.

When using a nurse crop sow the grain very sparingly.

Don’t fail to keep the weeds clipped on spring seeding.

Soil free from weeds is much better adapted to Alfalfa.

An Alfalfa field should never be pastured the first season.

Alfalfa should be cut when about one-tenth in blossom.

Don’t try to save money by the purchase of cheap seed.

Every acre that grows Alfalfa increases the value $100.00.

Alfalfa will not grow where the water is near the surface.

Use 15 pounds of our World Brand Alfalfa seed to an acre.

A ton of Alfalfa hay is equal to a ton of bran in feed value.

Inoculation is essential for the successful growing of Alfalfa.

Soil often requires liming for the best success of the Alfalfa.

bon’t be satisfied until you are growing Alfalfa on your farm.

Don’t lose the leaves, they constitute the best part of the hay.

You can grow Alfalfa on your farm by following instructions.

Don’t sow on any but a finely. prepared, well settled seed bed.

Increased production can be expected by inoculating the seed.

Alfalfa hay should be put under cover as it does not shed rain.

Use a spring tooth harrow to eradicate blue grass in an old Alfal-
fa field

Alfalfa should never be pastured off close, as it will cause weeds
to start.

Your success with Alfalfa depends quite largely on the prepara-
tion of the seed bed.

Alfalfa is one of the most highly nutritious and palatable of feed
for all classes of stock.

Alfalfa will grow successfully on a larger per cent of the farms in
the United States than any other plant.

>
a See SS
See

aS -

Mises.

i
i
a

aM ol Ti a t Quan. to sow Lbs. to
it one acre. Bu.
Alsike uid ‘Timot mbred.. PO capes tues 3 12 to 15 lbs. 50
Alfalfa.. ia ih CE eM ete ee Ear) 2 VMN Nf 60
Artichokes . sentence tage Paderalemeetonmuuiie ots acest 4 BO O Det, 50
ATI? «cin. 2)ssthepbausee vies de 's\sipsieaie o's elwiaieh + vr «+.1% to2 bu 48
Buckwheat.. BSNL Po aa car oe a a 4s
Bprietetineead sg ns es , é tesa to 2% bu. 14
Bluegrass—English or “Meadow Rescue... . .23 to 30 Ibs 24
Beans yaaa Sasale 9 is heh dalde ins ie os qlee ibu 6v
Beans—Soja.. Rome Peeve a dade wits ss -asi'es's) OO COKOD, Tbe 60
Beans—Lima.: Rae UOT ERG yy a cscs. 4G 60. bg 36
Beans—Navy.... SUM I nnite yaitat t ic .ca 2. SO AO Ie 60
Bromus ee PAA IAD a te arg 5:8 _...20'to 30 Tbs 14
Broom Corn.. rade CV le hogs a .+--.. 8 to 10 Ibs 50
Clover—White.. PRE ca ee Meee): tater a4, CO-.6 LDR 60
Clover—Reéd...... Wupee ieas ae hk. . es 2 5 fh DOs Oe) 6U
Clovers-AISikGn:. diel ck faviumpe nd hey dent /+6 to 10 Tbs, 60
Clover ae PSs Te £6 OF Se i 10 to 15 lbs, bu
Clover—Mammoth .8to 12 1bs. 60
Clover Sweet (Unhulled biae "Hulled .......20 Ibs. bu
Cow Peasy i peeks Gia Sh (a AEA. ol oli dpe: Saval 6 « 1 to 2 bu. 60
Corn—On Bary... oe ok AE Ie (TSS Die ee Az — To
Gorn —Ahelledian Ge. ae ae EC aeS SON) ee eee % bu. 50
Oarn- FO sis, (In the Bar Waban: .. 6to8 Ibs. 56
Sweet com Sie ero RARDIN Oa a TE 6 to 10 Ibs. aU
Cane. ... De ills 6 to 8 Ibs. Broadcast 1 to2bu. BU
BY eis ea ay shh i Meee aint webs eal oe Oe aii Pao bord Di, 56
EP CT Malis Sha sane els ee Ta a centrale ae bees Wa eOUL DU. 44
Jerusalem Cor malay rob re UU RCE MeN” WOOD +... 0 t07 Ibs. 56
Kaffir Corn—Dr PRs ee me UE eo URL ERM sl alae .. 9 to 6 lbs, 56
ge edd re BGM RE HE beeae 1 to 2 bu. a6
Millet for hay.. a Bay staal aces SES ee. OL ENG es 8)
oR OT PROC AM ais erect hss Lick oh eealice attic w+. 25 to 30 Ibs. 50
Oats... Pa dese sei tp 2 to 3 bu. 32
8 Onion Sets--Bottom . seer a: Blah ce BOD) heey DU 32
| Onion Sett--Top ..... TAY, Relay gee BA LOU 3d to 6 bu. 28
TINA ELS PBS lr. Reus ed dekh bbe ts 1% to 2% bu. 14
Peas--Garden. Smooth. Seed ....... We caahidetas 2 bu. 60
Peas--Garden. Wrinkled MBG tho carte yee a cle 2 bu. 56
me TPS Ge 0 a Sn BP Ne a RS a 2bu. 22
Potatoes-- White or Trish SMa Gare eg kaa Miele he 8 to 12 bu, 60
‘Potatoes--Sweet.. 2.0.0. cee ee 10,000 to 15,000 tie Nes SO
\ Red Pop--Fancy solid seed ..............4.. 8 to 10 lbs. 14
Rape--Dwart Essex. Broadcast. Se aug GE. {5 Pi sf 18 Ibs. _ 50
RYS Cae ahaa ise ee ie ain hah Ue ha .. 34 to bu. 56
Rye Grass vie. a. Nejatditl ais: eR A ho, Peta ....20 to 30 Ibs. 14
Spelts:or Bimmer eS eed ved ole 14 to 2 Dux 40
Sunflower--Russian........ 4 ANC ON AR yh 3 to 41bs. 22
Timothy SHAN 1 Sh ACEO Aa Re ala 10 to 12 lbs. 45
Vetches:..... Be J neat ae Rec a . 30 to 50 Ibs.
Wheat, broadcast. Wikia eho sGOM OND Catts 4b iy oi Ag 1% to 2 bu. 60
in 5 ida sop eas EE ck DOPE Oe 144,to 1% bu.

Legal Wetgnts to Bushel in Iowa.

A. A. BERRY SEED co. Clarinda, Ia

°

(Use Nitrogen Guiture

find Watch the Increased Results, f; | ns

The iNinsteaHon ex-
plains: the results of
Nitrogen Culture better
than words. It ismar- S@gum
velous what ~ ‘Nitrogen #
- Culture will do dnd we %
want to urge you to
use it and test it out by —
your own observation.:
Itis highly recommend-
ed by the U. S. Dept.
of Agriculture,in Farm-
ers Bulletin No. 315. It —
is very easily applied
to the seed and itis —
much more satisfactory
than obtaining soil =e
from neighboring fields _ Aitaita
which might have ob- ‘#4 th MAL
jectionable weeds. There is an ever increasing 2
demand for Nitrogen Culture. ‘The best farm- |
ers are using it on Clover, ‘Alfalfa, ‘Vetch and ©
all legumes. You can increase results wonder- _
fully by inoculation, Full description for using |

is found in every package sent out. Don’t fail ne “
to let us hear from you if you require. Nitro- re

gen Culture for we will supply you with: the

best product on the market at right prices. # ‘ Bh
See Catalog for description and. pee ene Mp iia

for special prices on large amounts, Leg
A. A. BERRY SEED GO., Glarinda, towa, bs

SAVE MONEY

When Buying Your GRASS SEED

You can do this by buying direct from the
producing section. We are producers and also
buy direct from the farmers, so that we can
offer Grass Seed at most reasonable prices.

We sell many carloads each season, of Clo-
ver, Timothy, Alfalfa and Grass Seeds of all
kind, saving our customers from $1.00 to $2.00
per bushel on both Clover and Alfalfa.

We can save you money by dealing direct
with us. You eliminate the jobbers and retail
merchants profit by sending to us for seed.

We handle our seed on a very close margin.
What we save in buying is gain for our custo-
mers. Get our samples and prices and see for
yourself that it is to your interest to favor us
with your patronage.

All seeds tested and guaranteed to be satis-
factory in every way. Any time you buy
Grass Seed from us and are not satisfied in
every way, youcan send the seed back and we
will pay freight both ways and refund-you the
amount paid for it.

Don’t forget us as we are headquarters for
Grass and Field Seed of all kind.

A. A. BERRY SEED CO.,
_GLARINDA, IOWA.