Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1862-07-16
HINTS for

Haying and harvesting. since the advent
Of moving and reaping macines. horse rakes
and forks, ere no, halt so much dreaded by
either man or woman, as when the work
was done by their muscles. Now that We
can seat ourselves on our machine. and by
taking sufficient exercise to cure dyspepsia
or give Us an appetite, can cut our grass,
rake cur hay by horse power, having and
harvesting is little more than sport; aud if
our horses are well cared for, it can be lit
tie more than sport for them. We pre-
mise by supposing that most of our readers
are already possessed of all these implements,
in good order, and only throw out such
hints as shall serve to remind them of the
best time and name Of conducting the
operation OF harvest.
l. As a general rule, the best time to
cut the grasses grown in this country. is
when they are in fall bloom. To cut
them much sooner than this, will be before
they have taken in all the nourishmeut
they are capable of; if allowed to stand
until fully ripe, much of the material.
which was soluble has been converted into
woody matter, which is iDnutritious. or in
TO seed. which though very rich in nutri-
ment, is liable to be lost by handIing.-
Wheat Is now, by the best farmers of
Great Britain. Gu; when the kernel is in
the dough state" This is about ten DAYS
before fully rife Cut then, it has less
skin, a brighter berry. tougher straw, and
Will not waste By shelling. Oats make
an excellent feed, if cut when green and
properly cured. For seed, or for sale, they
need to be quite ripe, and if possible saved
without wetting.
III. Ctriqg-Hay should be saved in
as nearly its natural condition as possible.
1t should not be Drowned or burned by the
hot sun. About three-fourths of the
weight Of grass is lost by drying. fit could
be cured in the shade, more of its value
would be preserved, but as this is impracti-
cable, We must come as near it as possible.
Hay cures well in a winr W., after it has
thoroughly wilted. The advantage of This
over the hay-cOck, is, that it lies looser,
and allows a freer circulation of air. I'm
less the prospect for pleasant weather is
good, it is always best to put it in cocks at
night. Many farmers think it an advan-
tage to let hay sweat in large punches, but
this is a mistaken notion. During this
process part of its soluble matter is con-
verted into ca1bonic acid and alcohol, the
hay becomes Slightly mouldy or musty, and
though it may be eaten readily, is less nu-
tritious OF healthful. Wheat bound in
medium sized bundles and well shocked,
should stand about eight days, and oats
about five. Of course, this will depend in
pei "a tie Ecliher; but it is better to
get wheat up a little damp, than after this
to run much risk Of rain. The use of
hay and grain caps will often be found a
saving in haying or harvesting. We hope
some of our readers who can afford it, will
give them a trial.
III. There is no cheap way of raking
hay without a horse rake, or unloading it
without a horse fork. In loading hay, al
ways do so by course; then the forkfuls are
kept by themselves, and come off as easily
as if bound.
~. Sahiag-If hay is properly cured
no salt should be used. 1t may be sprink-
led on at the rate of four quarts to the ton;
when it has been injured. Hay ought ney-
er to be put so to require sailing.
V. Stacks.-If you are compelled to
build a stack on moist ground, see that, as
soon as 1t is done, it has a drain about it
TO take off the water. All stacks should
have a good bottom, high and dry enough
to keep the hay from spelling. A stack
ought TO contain four or five tons, to pre-
vent waste. II should enlarge from the bot
tom up two-thirds of its height to shed
water well, and be built rnund, instead of
square. Always keep the middle the
highest, and tramp well. Some people top
a stack with straw or coarse hay, but this
meterial does not shed water well. The
finer the hay that goes on top of a stack
the better. Hay, well secured in stacks,
keeps about as well as in tie barn. The
foundation for a stack may be made by
driving short piles into the ground. strong
enough 10 Sold its weight. On this tres-
tle-work lay your bottom. 1t is an excel
lent plan to have a large cap for securing
it aom rain before finished. Layers of
bright straw thrown on, tend to preserve
the hay, if little green, and improve the
straw. Grain can be stacked just as well
as hay, only requires a little more care.
1t Is often better to do so than to enlarge
barns.
vi. Teams.-If possible, have an extra
horse for the rake and horse-fork. Any
team can be made so gentle as to
draw with, if carefully used. One great
annoyance to horses is flies. Many horses
have been made ngly by them. Protect
them from these creatures, and you add
much to the pleasure of haying-Ohio
Farmer.