Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1857-07-09
HayMaking

Although we have this season been favored
with but very little of the weather which ex-
perience informs us is necessary for hay-mak-
ing, still as there is and will be an immense
amount of the material therefor, awaiting
but the brightness and warmth Of the king
of Day." to gil to overlooking the barns and
stock-yards of the farmers, we propose to jog
the minds of our friends upon the Importance
Of holding themselves in readiness to fully
perform their duties when the opportunity
presents itself
The period at which grass should be cut in
order to best meet the wants Of stock, is
matter of much consequence, and one which
has received large share of attention both
from the Agricultural Press and those who
swing the scythe. 1t has been definitely set
tied that the great object to be sought IS the
preservation of bag IN condition most
nearly resembling the grass in a perfect
state. In order to accomplish this end, grass
should be cut when it contains the greatest
amount of gluten, sugar and such other mat
tiers as are soluble in water. When the plant
has formed its seed, this stage has passed and
woody fibre predominates, -this being insou-
BILE cannot assimilate itself to the require
ments of the animal stomach. When grass
is in full flower, but before the seed has
formed, it contains the greatest amount Of
saccharinc matter; this speedily diminishes
as it ripens, which, together with the decay
Of the leaves, causes loss in its nutritive
properties. Quite number of grasses are
exceptions to this rule-some containing the
most nutriment when fully ripe-but as a
general principle, for the benefit of both hay
and the land upon which it is grown, we
would advise the cutting at full flower
When the elements and the grass are both
in condition favorable for the commence.
ment of operations, it will not answer for
any dallyimg on the part of the farmer. The
proverb, "make hay while the sun Shines"
conveys to the mind the necessity of being
in readiness-of having all the material re-
quisite to the successful completion of labor
:" on hand when its assistance shall be need
ed. See that your implements are in perfect
condition, and Whem you should be IN the
field, there will be no such idle excuse for
non-appearance, or such perplexing detention,
as will arise when there are rakes to mend, or
scythes or moving machines to put in order.
A frequent, and we ght add, universal
complaint among farmers during haying and
harvesting" is the scarcity of laborers and
the eXorbitant prices demanded by them for
services rendered" This should not bet
is not Of necessity. IF the selection of such
help as will be wanted is put off until the
last moment, those who thus delay will be
compelled to grant whatever price may be
asked, and, in addition, put up with such as
sistance as can be obtained no matter whether
it be good, bad or Indifferent" By little
foresight and calculation, those needing sex.
ira hands" can tell almost precisely when
they will require them,-for what length Of
time-and should make their arrangements
accordingly.
The process of curing should, if possible
be perfected in the cock Hay thus made
retains more of the color and juices of the
grass than when thinly spread over the field
exposed to the rays of the burning sun. II
should, if spread, be gathered into windows
or g foot-codks " at night-dew falling upon il
when thus scattered, results in more or less
injury. The chief point after cutting is to
preserve it from dew and rain, as these soor
wash away the soluble salts, and its keeping
qualities are thereby seriously affected, fol
hay thus deterioriated ferments very readily
when stacked. If the weather is unfavorable
the less hay is shook about, the better. L
will preserve its nutritive properties for .
considerable period of time if left undisturb
ed, but when submitted to repeated drying
and wettings, it is soon utterly ruined
Each season of hay-making as it passes
away, furnishes new proofs of the utility Of
hay-caps, and he who, for the purpose of sau'
ing ~ few shillings, or even dollars, refu.
ses to provide against emergencies that may
arise, is fully endorsing the policy known as
"penny wise and pound foolish" The hay
crop is one of the most important that farm.
ers raise, and every means should be taken
not only to secure it in the best condition, but
to add to its bulk Thousands of acres in
grass do not yield 1.-THE of what they ought
and what a little attention on the part Of
growers might make them produce This
crop keeps starvation from the barns and cat.
tle-yards, and such exertions should be put
forth as shall prevent waste either by unpro.
pitious weather or the carelessness of those
engaged in making and gathering.-Rural