HAY-MAKING. 263 



others may cure theirs, avoiding the disastrous consequences 

 that have so commonly been the experience of farmers. Hay 

 means first grass, and, even before that, it means preparation of 

 the soil, and the correct method and time of sowing the seed. 



The ground that has been used for garden-crops, and the 

 like, is especially adapted to grass; and all land that I intend 

 for this crop has a heavy manuring in the spring. The crop 

 is taken off as early as possible, when it is ploughed deep, 

 harrowed, and then left to the action of the elements till 

 the last of the autumn or early winter. 



I have sown grass-seed in this way as late as the middle 

 of December. If you are sure of clearing your land for 

 grass by the last of August, the seed may be put in then. 

 It is well to act upon the principle that the grass should get 

 a good start, so as to escape being winter-killed, or else not 

 be sown till the seed cannot take root before the early spring. 

 I have never used any top-dressing except salt, which, sprin- 

 kled on in the spring, generates moisture. 



The time I mow herd's-grass is when it is in the full of its 

 second blossoming, which with me is usually the last week 

 in June, or first of July. Clover should be cut when the 

 blossoms are beginning to die. Red-top is mowed about the 

 same time as herd's-grass. It is my purpose to have the hay- 

 crop in the barn by the 12th of July. 



Mowing in a dull day has the advantage of a prospect of 

 fair weather the next day. So, also, has the practice, which 

 1 generally follow, of mowing late in the afternoon, the 

 surety of catching the earliest ra}^s of the next morning's 

 sun. The tedder can be put at work early ; and, by going 

 over it twice, the hay can be gathered the same day, unless 

 the yield is remarkably heavy. Many farmers let their hay 

 dry until so brittle that the goodness is gone from it, and the 

 action of too much sun has proved a damage. 



I find it important, as the time is short, when haying, to 

 have plenty of help. In the morning they may be at work 

 hoeing, opening hay, and other work. 



In getting in hay, I make two gangs, — one of three, in the 

 field, to put the hay together, load, and rake after ; another 

 gang of three, in the barn, to stow away, back out the cart, 

 clean up the floor, and get ready for the next load. By this 

 pla'n much time is saved, and a uniformity of work secured. 



