Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1884-07-19
In the Hay Field.
Cor. Country Gentleman.

Every year we read of the impor-
lance of cutting hay early, and yet
each recurring season we see large
amount of grass standing uncut until
fully ripe, Experience and expert
ments have both proved beyond
doubt that grass or clover should be
cut at about the time when it is in full
bloom. 1t is then sweet, digestible
and nutritious. If allowed to stand
longer the saccharine juices begin to
disappear, and it commences to turn to
an indigestible woody fibre, 1t may
sometimes be necessary to go to little
extra expense in order to get the
hay into the barn at just the proper
time, but this additional expense will
be far less than the loss on the hay if
allowed to stand and ripen. The prof
it on the COWS next winter depends
largely on the condition in which the
hay reaches the barn.
Even greater care should be taken
with the clover than with the grass, as
it changes more quickly. 1t should be
cut early in the season, mown when
there is no due on it, cured in the
cock, and the leaves can then be taken
to the barn instead of being shaken off
the stalks and left in the field.
| like to NOW as much of my grass,
as can from four to six o'clock in the
afternoon. 1t cures much faster the
next day than that which is mown the
next morning when the due in on.
like to get all my hay rsked in the af-
ternoon before the evening due begins
to fall. | never considered that "mak-
ing hay while the sun shines" means
that we must work as long as we can
see.
1t is an excellent time while moving
and gathering the hay from the differ
ent fields to take note of needed im-
provements-of pieces that should be
broken, top-dreSsed, ditched, &c. The
bushes along the fences, and the stones
scattered over the field appear much
more prominent now than at any other
season of the year. All these things
should be noticed, and it is we'll to jot
down such items as we wish to remem>
Der, for fear that the rush of work
may drive them from our head before
the proper time for attending to them
shall arrive. Even amid the work of
this busy season, an eye should be kept
on the lookout for weeds, especially on
lots recently laid down. Some of the
most hurtful weeds may have been
sown with the grass seed. With a lit
tie extra pains, these weeds can now
be easily destroyed. But if raked in
the hay, and their seed sown with next
years manure, they may find their
way over the entire field. The "stitch
in time" hits here, if anywhere.
Much good advice is given about
taking proper care of the work horses
during the heated term of summer,
which it is well for every one to heed.
But many farmers have more need of
advice in regard to taking proper care
of themselves. Their reason and best
Judgment are brought to bear in the
care and treatment of their horses, and
they make it matter of special study
to determine what are the best kinds
of food, the right amount, and the
proper time of giving the same. Re.
garding themselves, they are too apt to
be governed by their appetite or incliN
nation. They frequently work more
hours in day than they would allow
their horses to be worked, and are less
regular in their habits of taking food
and drink. Too much heat-producing
food, and too little fruit is generally
found on the farmers table during the
hot months Of summer. The health
is of too great Importance to be for
gotten, even during the busiest season.
H. L. @.
Rochester, N. H., June "a.