Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1844-07-12
AGRICULTURAL.



We think il best to cut grass for bav. Ms near os
possible TO the time when it is in full bloom. Of
course, if 1t is cut when most of it is in that state
some may be little past and some NAV not have
quite reached full bloom. We know there has
heretofore been some difference of opinion Ms to
The stage grass should be IN when it Is cut but we
believe the experience of the best farmers is in n
greement with the position above assumed Those
who are IN the habit of curing herbs, cut them
when in this stage, because it is known that they
contain at that time the most of that peculiar prin-
clple from which they derive their efficacy and val
ne. | he Sacch 'rne or sugar principle, which con-
stllutes one OF the chief sources of MURINE nj in
heritage, is found in the greatest quantity at the
period of bloom 1t sometimes becomes expedient
to cut grass before 1t has reached this state par
tcuary hen it ia Is down, and is in danger of sour
ing o rotlng. When this happens, it should be
cut, whltever state 1t may be in, because if it re-
mains on the ground will spoil, and the fernlerta
ton which takes place. will destroy the roots. An
other great advantage in cutting grass before the
seed forms, is that the roots are not so much ex
hat sted and the after growth much more vigorous
In some parts of the country, it is the practice
TO NOW the grass and let it lie untouched on the
ground, through sunshine and shower for several
days before it is stacked or pat in the barn 1t Is
quite common TO begin Monday and continue to
NOW till Saturday. when with hand-rakes and horse
rakes all turn in, take it up and stack it, and this
lone too, without much regard to the state of the
weather at the time it is raked, or to what it may
have ben after it was cut. The appearance of the
,ni,nas which are fed on hay thus managed, is ev-
dence enough of Its worthlessness.
After grass is cut and partly dried it ought nev-
er to be exposed to wet or dew. The best way is
to spread out the nown grass evenly, as soon as
he wet has dried off from the spaces between the
swathes, and before the evening, rake it and put it
IN cock, Where the crop is heavy, considerable
time will be gained in making, by this plan. If it
Is only wilted when it is put in cock, it will in a
short time undergo S,ceat which will much facil-
tate its making when il is again opened to the sum-
Many good farmers believe that it will make more
IN cock twelve hours, than 1t will make in three
days w.ihput being put in cock
In making clover hay, are decidedly in favor
of not exposing much to the sun after it is first
wited. We speak from experience, having prac-
ticed various modes, and are certain tn It il NAV
be made with less labor, md that it is of far supe-
rlor guilty, when cured in COCK, than any other
way. When the swathes are little wilted, pitch
them into cocks laying 1t up in such manner
that 1t Will stand the weather, which is easily done
by the exercise OF Il little care. Examine the hay
from day TO day to see how the process of curing
advances, and when 1t seems SO well made that
with what it will dry with handling, it will do to
put it in the barn or stack, turn over the cocks,
loosen up the bottom little with fork and pro-
coed to load it. Clover hay thus cured, is not like
ly to hurt in the NOW or stack, and having every
leaf and head saved, will be found to be very nu-
trt US and much relished by all animals. In fact
we believe that Clover hay, properly cured will
make more flesh, milk, or butter, than any other
hay, pound for pound. The prejudice against clo-
yer, has arisen from the bad manner of curing it,
Knocked about as it frequently is, wet and dried
by turns, it loses its leaves and heads, and becomes
little else than mass OF tasteess stems, which no
animal will eat.