Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1855-06-30
farmer's department.
Cutting Ray.

Mr. FREAs There are at present amulti-
tude of conflicting opinions in relation to the
period when grass should be cut, some contend
ing that the operation Of moving should be
commenced as soon as the development of the
flower has commenced others, that the scythe'
should bv no means be introduced till the seed
has become partially matured, as they suppose
the superior value of this adds more to the
value of the plant as a whole, than it abstracts.
No definite rules, however, can be laid down III
this matter. as practice must necessarily vary
with the contingencies of temperature, aspect,
climate and the specific character Of the grasses
ordinary cultivated For my own part think
that one should commence as soon as inAor-
essence begins. He will then have time to get
through haying before the crop becomes too
far advanced towards maturity, and his hay,
though less heavy, and consequently somewhat
less valuable as market product, perhaps,
will be much more succulent and sweet, that if
permitted to stand till later period, or till it
becomes dead ripe.
The old method of making hay in the sun,
and drying it till scarcely particle of moisture
is left in the fibre is now almost universally
deprecated On this subject, one of the
greatest farmers who has ever lived, has the
following remarks
As soon as the grass is fairly freed from
moisture, it is put into narrow heaps, which
are made as high as possible and to prevent
these from falling down, a small stake is driven
into the ground, around which the grass is
carefully arranged with the hands A hand
full of grass is then taken from one of the
swaths, and the longest and strongest portions
are chosen from it to cover the top of the heap
u,;tb hnO 20 l-an tp tritn tha
uppcr or towering part of the grass downward
These pyramidial heaps are then suffered to
remain until the grass of which they are com
posed, is thoroughly dry which is generally
somewhere between the eight and fifteenth day.
On the heap being opened, the grass in the
interior of it will generally be found to retain
its hue and freshness. have seen grass thus
made into large heaps, in dry and windy
weather, which has made very rapidly with
out recurring to be moved and has been qnite
green. Temporary rain or showers will not do
it any harm beyond that of deprVing the
external parts Of some portion of its greennesS !;
but should the wet weather continue for any
considerable period Of time, there is apossibiIity
of the hay becoming too much compressed !;
it will then be necessary to open the heaps, and
shake and loosen the hay, in order to prevent
it from acquiring an unpleasant flavor"
This may be obviated by making the cocks
small-say Of about eighty pounds weight,
when first put up, aud covering carefully with
green grass give you this for what it is
worth-some may be induced to try it this
season. on small scale, and report the result
One thing is admitted by every one which is,
that the less the hay, in making, is exposed to
the sun, the more valuable it s-it retains its
III md
worth great deal more per ton than when
dried up by the burning rays Of the sun. am
respectfully Germant0un Telegraph.