Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1859-07-08
9nraG and 9niltestif.
A g T. i c u 1 t u l. q .
CUTTING RAx.

Mr.. FREAs: There are at present a multi
tude of conflicting opinions in relation 70 the
period when grass should be cut-somg cCn-
tending that the operation of moving shot d
be commenced as soon as the development of
the flowers has commenced others thht the
scythe should by no means be intrUduet6 ill
the seed has become partially matured, as day
suppose the superior value of this adds mere to
the value of the plant as a whole, than il ab-
stracts No definite rules, however, can ic
ls id down in this matter, as practice mrst I.e-
cessarily vary with the contingencies of temper
ature aspect, climate and the specific Cl.aiac-
ter of the grasses ordinarily cultivated. Fer
my own part l think that one should eommutc
as soon as infloresence begins. He viii thcit
have time to get through haying before tke
crop becomes too far advanced towards Ria;ur-
! ity, and his hay, though less heavy, and -c14@-
qucntly somewhat less valuable as a market
product, perhaps viii be much more succucnt
and sweet than if permitted to stand till later
period, or until it becomes dead ripe.
The old method of making hay in the srn,
and drying it till scarcely particle of moisture
is left in the fiber, is almost universally de-
precated. On this subject, one of the greatest
farmers who has ever lived, has the following
| remarks
! As soon as the grass is fairly freed fr,m
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 hand. A handful Of rs:ss
is then taken from one of the swaths, and The
longest and strongest portions are chosen FRI M
it to cover the topof the heap or hay-cock with,
care being taken TO trim the upper or flower
ing part of the grass downward. These pyra-
midical heaps are then suffered TO remain until
the grass of which they are composed is thour-
oughy dry, which is generally somewhere be
tween the eighth and fifteenth day. On the heap
} being opened, the grass in the inerior of twill
generally be found to retain its hue and frcsl'-
ness. l have seen grass thus made into huge
heaps, in dry and windy weather, which has
made very rapidly without requiring to be
moved. and has been quite green. Temporary
: rain or showers will not do it any harm he
: yond that of deprivirg the external parts OF
some portions of its greenness but should the
a wet weather continue for any considerable peri
= cd of time, there is possibility of the hay b.
G couing too much depressed; It will then be
necessary to open the heaps and shake and
loosen the hay, in order to prevent it from at
quiring an unpleasant flavor"
= This may be obviatcd by making the cocks
: small-say of about so pounds weight, when
- first put up and covering them carefully with
green grass. / give you this for what it i
worth--son.e may be induced to try it this sea-
o son, on a small scale, and report the resul;
IS One thing is admitted by every one, which IL
h that the less the hay in making is exposed 80
n the sun, the more valuable il is-it retains its
color and flavor better, and consequently is
worth great deal more per ton, than wher
It dryed up by the burning rays Of the SUD-
If Germantown Telegraph.