Alfalfa
also known as LUCERNE, a plant belonging to the legumes, used widely as a forage and hay crop for stock. It had its origin in central western Asia, where it had been under cultivation for thousands of years. Spanish explorers introduced it into Mexico and South America. It was first introduced into the United States in 1854, when it was brought to California from Chile. Its use grew rapidly, especially in the semiarid regions of the Pacific and Rocky Mountain States. It has come to be one of the most important crops of the irrigated regions of the West. It is also extensively grown in other portions of the United States.
ALFIERI (alf-yā'rē), VITTORIO, COUNT, an Italian dramatist, born at Asti in Piedmont, Jan. 17, 1749. He came into his vast paternal inheritance at the age of 14; and two or three years after- ALFONSO ALFONSO ward began a series of travels which raccioli. The fickle queen now declared extended over nearly all the European countries, returning to Turin, 1772. A love affair turned his mind toward literature, and his tragedy "Cleopatra" was produced in Turin in 1775. This and his other tragedies, "Polinice," "Antigone," "Brutus" are on classic themes. "Saul," founded on Hebrew sacred history, was by far the most popular of Alfieri's dramas. The "Filippo" presents, by the hand of a master, the somber character of Philip II. of Spain. He wrote in all 21 tragedies and six comedies, and composed many sonnets; among his odes are five on American independence. His prose works comprise an essay on "Tyranny," a volume of essays on "Literature and Government," and "Memoirs of his Life."
He died at Florence, Oct. 8, 1803. his rival Louis her successor. At her death in 1435, Alfonso resolved to claim the kingdom, but found himself opposed by Duke René of Lorraine, whom Joanna had appointed her successor after the death of Louis. Rome and Genoa sided with René, and the Genoese fleet attacked and defeated that of Alfonso, the monarch himself being taken prisoner. He was sent to Duke Philip of Milan, who, charmed by his manner and talents, soon set him at liberty, and even formed an alliance with him. After a five years' warfare, Alfonso was successful, and entering Naples in triumph, was recognized as its king by the Pope. ALFONSO VI., King of Portugal, succeeded his father, John IV., in 1656, when but 13 years of age. For some years the government was in the hands of his mother, Louise de Guzman, a woman