Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-07-24
TIME TO CUT GRAss---TIMoTHY.

Since the article on the reason "why grass
runs out" published in the Farmer, of June
10 was written, our attention has been called
to some investigations and observations upon
the growth of timothy, and the proper time to
cut it, as made by practical farmer of Ohio,
and given in Prof Kirtland's "Grasses of
Northen Ohio" which we herewith present TO
our readers. The author lays down five pro-
positions, and draws therefrom several concu-
sions as Follows:
"Timothy grass is perennial plant which
renews itself by an annual formation of "bulbs ~
or, perhaps more correctly speaking, tubers, in
which all the vitality of the pand is concentra-
ted during winter. These form, in what ever
locality the plant is found without reference to
dryness or moisture. From these, proceed the
stalks which support tie leaves and head, and
from the same source spread out the numerous
fbres forming the true roots.
2. To insure perfect development of these
tubers, certain amount of nutrition must be
assimilated in the leaves, and returned to the
base OF the plant through the stalk.
3. As soon as this process of nutrition is
completed, it becomes manifest by the appear
ance of state of desccation, or dryness, always
joint of the stem, near the crown of the tuber.
From this point, the desiccation gradually pro-
crosses upwards, and the last portion of the
stalk that yields up lis freshness is that adion.
ing the head. Co-incGent with the beginning
OF his process is the full Development of the
seed, and with its progress they mature. Its
earliest appearance is evidence that both the
tubers and seeds have received the requisite
supplies of nutrition, and that neither the stalks
nor the leaves are longer necessary to aid them
in completing their maturity.
4. If the stalk be cut from the tuber before
this evidence of maturity has appeared, the nee
essary supplies of nutrition will be arrested ;
their prorer growth will cease. and an effort
will be made to repair the injury, by sending
out small lateral tubers, from which weak and
unhealthy stalks will proceed, at the expense of
the original tubers. All will ultimately perish
either by the drouth of autumn, or the cold of
winter.
8. The tubers, together with one or two of
the lower joints of the stalk, remain fresh and
green during the winter, if left to take their
natural course; but if, by any means, this green
portion be severed at any time of the year, the
result will be the death of the plant
From these five propositions, the following
conclusions are drawn:
/. That timothy grass cannot under any cir
cumstahces, oe adapted Tor pasture, as the close
nipping of horses and sheep is fatal to the tub
ers, which are also extensively destroyed by
swine,
2. That the proper period for moving timo-
thy is at any time after the process Of descca-
ton has commenced on the stalk, as noticed in
proposition.
3. 1t is no, very essential whether it is per-
formed a week earlier or later provided that
evidence of maturity has become manifest.
3. All attempts at close shaving the sward
should be avoided while using the scythe and,
in gauging moving machines, care should be
taken to set them to run so high that they will
not cut the timothy below the second joint
above the tuber."