Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg general advertiser. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1850-1866, 1860-06-23
PROPER TIME TO CUT GRASS
FOR HAY.

farm stock depends very much upon the
time OR season of its growth when mown.
But Notwithstanding the apparent agree
ment, there is still wide difference of
opinion as to the time the grass possesses
the most value for winter food for cattle,
horses and sheep. Consequently, practice
varies according as these different views
are entertained Some farmers cut their
grass as soon as the bloom appears, or
even earlier, and others at all subsequent
stages until the seeds are ripe and the
grasses are 50 dry that the product may
he stored almost as soon as cut. - Such
different differences of practice must me-
ccssarily be followed by wide variation
IN its value, That such variation actually
exists is evidenced by the fact that upon
the same quantity Of hay, and this made
from the same grasses, the stock of the
farmer will thrive and that of another viii
dwindle."
This contrast in thrift of the cattle on
adjoining farms, is frequently occasioned
by the fact, that one farmer cuts his grass
carly, or mostly while in blossom, the
other letting his grass crop stand till the
seed had generally matured; this farmer
contending that the seeds were the most
important and nutritivo portions of the
hay, besides, he says in will "spend bet
ter Cattle fed through our long winters
upon this late cut hay, generally go to
pasture real "spring poor"
OF late years, the attention of farmers
has been more directly called to this i'm
portant subject, through the agency ol
many of the State and county Agricultu-
raj Societies. The Secretaries of some Of
these have caused large numbers of circu-
lars to be distributed among the farmers
containing series of interrogatories rela-
ting to practical matters pertaining to the
farm, &c. Prominent among these ques-
tions is the following:-
AT what stage of growth do you pre-
fer to cut grass to make into English and
iuto swale hay, and what is your reason
for your preference ?"
In 1856, Mr.. Flint, Soc'y of the Mass
Board of Agriculture, issued circulars
Containing the above quoted queries to
practical farmers all over the State. =" The
replies from about one hundred and fifty
towns are, that farmers perfer to cut the
principal grasses, timothy and red top,
when in full blossom red clover when
about half the heads are in blossom and
swale grass before it is ripe, and generally
before blossoming, if possible, 50 as to
prevent it from becoming hard and wiry."
This practice is unquostionably foun
ded on correct principle, the object OF
the farmer being to secure his hay, so as
to make it most like grass in its perfect
condition. The nutritive substances of
grass are those, which are, for the most
part, soluble in water, such as sugar, glut-
en-, and other compounds. Now if this is
80 it is evident that the grass should be
cut at the time when it contains the largest
amount Of these principles. From Its
earliest growth the sugar and other solu
bic substances gradually increase till they
reach their maximum per contage in the
blossom, or when the seed is fully formed
in the cell. From this period the sac.
charine matter constantly diminishes, and
the woody fiber, perfectly insoluble in wa
tee aud innutritious, increases till after the
.e,ds have matured, when the plant be-
ains to decay. OF course, if the plant is
uot cut in the flower, great part of the
Hnt.iment of its stems and leaves is vast,
cd"
The Secretary of the Maine Board of
Agriculture issued circulars among the
farmers of that State propounding series
Of questions upon practical matters con-
nrcted with the farm. In the report OF
1850, is found responses from many farm
cr', in reference to the proper time of cut
tiug grass for hay. A large majority of
them say that the English grasses should
aa cut while in blossom, and clover as
soon as portion of the heads have be-
come Of brown color
Says Mr.. sec'y Goodale, in this Re-
port, The principal point to be inquired
into in order to decide the best period for
,uttingis when does grass contain the
most nutriment! And to this, no definite
ond precise answer can be given, which
will be alike correct in all cases, for rea-
son that in different grasses this stage is
not the same, being earlier in some than
Jthers but for general answer, both
theory and the opinions derived from the
experience of the great majority of intelli-