DURING the course of an investigation into the distribution of the antiscorbutic factor in some South African foodstuffs specimens of the common lucerne, or alfalfa (Medicago sativa) were examined, and it was found that, as judged by the indophenol reaction, this plant was an outstandingly rich source of vitamin C.According to the report on the vitamins issued by the Medical Research Council [1932] lucerne is regarded as rich in vitamins A and B and exceptionally rich in E. More recent work, such as that described by Scheunert and Schieblich [1934] and by Hauge [1934], confirms the high values for vitamin A, though the former authors state that vitamins B and D are present only in low concentration.We have been unable, however, to find any reference dealing with the antiscorbutic value of this plant.Lucerne is also of value since it contains no less than 1-2 % of mineral salts, of which nearly 0 5 % is calcium; in addition about 8 mg. of iron are present per g., or nearly double that found in spinach. It will be agreed, therefore, that lucerne is an interesting plant from the nutritional point of view; moreover, it is growing in favour as a forage crop and is becoming fairly readily available in many parts of the world [see monograph by Klinkowski, 1933].

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